The Carolina Hurricanes are preparing for their second-round playoff series against the Washington Capitals and have received encouraging news concerning their roster. Goaltender Frederik Andersen, who was sidelined due to an undisclosed injury in Game 4 of the first-round series against the New Jersey Devils, is expected to return to practice on Friday. This update was provided by Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour, who stated, “I expect him to practice tomorrow, and then we’ll see.”
Andersen made progress by participating in a session with Carolina’s additional players on Thursday morning at Invisalign Arena, marking a positive step towards his return. In Andersen’s absence, Pyotr Kochetkov stepped up and secured the series-clinching win in Game 5. In that match, he successfully stopped 31 of 35 shots. Spencer Martin, who has participated in nine games for Carolina this season, was called up from the Chicago AHL team on Tuesday to serve as Kochetkov’s backup.
Coach Brind’Amour expressed confidence in the team’s goaltending options, stating, “We like the two goalies we have, and we like Spencer as a three goalie and as an option. We feel good in the net.” If Andersen returns for Round 2, Spencer Martin is expected to continue as the backup goaltender, a role currently held by 20-year-old Ruslan Khazheyev during the playoffs. Martin notably achieved his first NHL shutout earlier in the season against the Ottawa Senators.
Frederik Andersen has played in 76 career playoff games, with a record of 41-31-0 and a .915 save percentage. Carolina’s upcoming practice session on Friday at 11 a.m. will be conducted at Invisalign Arena and is open to the public.
