Amid hot start to NHL season, Carolina Hurricanes goalie situation becoming worrisome
The Carolina Hurricanes’ goaltending situation has become worrisome.
Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour said Friday the status of goalie Frederik Andersen has been downgraded. Andersen, who has a lower-body injury, was being listed as “week-to-week,” but Brind’Amour said it now could be “way longer” until Andersen is able to return and play.
Adding to his concern was having goalie Pyotr Kochetkov leave the Canes’ game Wednesday at Utah after a collision involving defenseman Sean Walker. Goalie Spencer Martin took over in net.
Brind’Amour said Friday that Kochetkov, who did not practice Friday at Lenovo Center, was likely doubtful for Saturday’s home game against the Ottawa Senators. Martin is expected to be the Canes’ starter.
The Hurricanes have a back-to-back set against the Senators and then St. Louis Blues on Sunday at Lenovo Center. Later Friday, the Canes called up goalie Yaniv Perets from their AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves.
“Injuries, in general, are worrisome, but goaltending is the backbone of the whole thing,” Brind’Amour said. “Freddie’s thing is, I guess, a little more worrisome but ‘Kooch’ I think will be back (Saturday) maybe or maybe the next (day).
“We’re not too concerned with that. Freddie, obviously is more concerning.”
Andersen, 35, has not played since the Canes’ 4-1 win at Seattle on Oct. 26. He completed and won the game, but Brind’Amour said the veteran goalie was a “little gimpy” after it.
Andersen’s playing status first was listed as “day to day” but then changed to “week to week” and his return now is indefinite. Andersen has had knee injuries during his career but his latest injury has not been disclosed.
With Andersen out, Kochetkov started five consecutive games and won all five before Martin started the Nov. 9 game at Colorado, a 6-4 Canes loss that had Martin allow five goals on 28 shots. Kochetkov returned to start the games against the Vegas Golden Knights and then Utah before his injury.
Martin, recalled Oct. 28 from the Wolves, now has been assigned the locker-room stall that has been occupied by Andersen.
“I’ve been a pro for 10 years. I’ve seen some different situations,” Martin said Friday. “It’s a cliche but you just focus on being ready, and also staying in the present when you’re there.
“When you get sent down, you can’t be thinking, ‘When am I going to go up or play?’ or whatever. In order to be good you’ve got to be where your butt’s at.”
Martin was claimed off waivers last season from the Columbus Blue Jackets. He appeared in 19 NHL games in 2023-24 with Columbus and Carolina, with a 3.30 goals-against average and .889 save percentage.
Assigned to Wolves to start the 2024-25 season, Martin played three games with a 2.32 goals-against average and .920 save percentage.
Martin smiled when asked if he could handle playing a back-to-back set, saying, “In junior I once played 64 of 68 games. I love that.”
This story was originally published November 15, 2024 at 3:34 PM.
