Lackluster Performance against New York Rangers
The anticipation is high as the Carolina Hurricanes seek to revitalize themselves after an underperforming season. The Hurricanes lost to the New York Rangers in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, and fans were left disappointed with a lackluster season. Canes fans experienced even more worries for their future, with uncertainties around Rod Brind’Amour resigning, reaching a new deal with Seth Jarvis, and Jesper Fast’s neck injury. While the New York Rangers were first in the Metropolitan division, the Hurricanes had the skill to overcome this challenge. The issue arose from a slow start, where the Hurricanes were down 3-0 to the Rangers. The Hurricanes were in position to reverse sweep but fell short in game 6 where they lost 5-3. The 4-2 series loss to the Rangers indicated one major truth; teams seeking to win the Stanley Cup can’t rely on reverse sweeps.
Eastern Conference Round 2 game results:
- Carolina Hurricanes: 3 - New York Rangers: 4 (Rangers win)
- Carolina Hurricanes: 3 - New York Rangers: 4 (Rangers win)
- Carolina Hurricanes: 2 - New York Rangers: 3 (Rangers win)
- Carolina Hurricanes: 4 - New York Rangers: 3 (Canes win)
- Carolina Hurricanes: 4 - New York Rangers: 1 (Canes win)
- Carolina Hurricanes: 3 - New York Rangers: 5 (Rangers win)
The Hurricane's Need for a Leader
The Hurricanes' near reverse sweep showcased a fluctuation in play that was obvious for large portions of the season. New players adjusting to the system were likely the reason the Hurricanes started with a worrisome 16-12-2 start in their first 30 games. The Hurricanes improved as the team became more familiar with each other, and finished with a 52-23-7 record to secure second in the Metropolitan Division. When playing their best, the Hurricanes would dominate. This was showcased with 28 wins where the Hurricanes won by three or more goals. The Hurricanes also experienced moments where they played below their potential, which is evident by 10 of their losses being three or more goals down. A lack of defense in 10 of their losses led to games with 8 or more combined goals. Their regular season fluctuations and losing streaks continued into the postseason and were the reason behind their second-round exit.
This highlights the need for the Hurricanes to have their leaders step up and show steady play throughout the season. With the Hurricanes’ skill and depth, there’s no doubt that a leader can emerge. The question becomes who will?
Andersen Out, Kochetkov In
A team can only be as consistent as their weakest link, and goalkeeping was one area where the Hurricanes frequently struggled. As well as the skaters played throughout most of the season, the goalies allowing 4+ goals makes winning more difficult. Last season, they allowed opponents to score four or more goals in 20 games. In those 20 games, the Hurricanes only won 2 of them. This weakness in the Hurricanes allows players to step up and fill the gap. Last year Andersen missed a large portion of the season due to blood clots. Andersen only played in 16 games because of this, and his absence on the ice was felt. Andersen being out for most of the season left Antti Raanta and Pyotr Kochetkov filling in for him. Antti Raanta struggled to perform consistently, recording a 12-7-2 record and a .872 save percentage — way below the league average of .905 to .920.
Raanta’s performance indicated a need for a switch, which led the Hurricanes to opt for 24-year-old Pyotr Kochetkov. Kochetkov stepped up and performed much better than Raanta, with Kochetkov having a .911 save percentage with a 23-13 record. Kochetkov’s performance showed the Canes who their top goalie was and he started the most games that season. While he performed better than Raanta, Kochetkov’s inexperience led to variations in play. This was especially shown in high-pressure games versus experienced, offensive-heavy teams. Against the Rangers on 01/15/24, he let in 5 goals on 28 shots. Against the Bruins on 03/10/24, he let in 4 goals on 22 shots. Kochetkov also had great games, as evidenced by his shutout overtime victory against the New Jersey Devils on 02/10/24. Against the Devils, Kochetkov was able to save all 34 shots and showed he can handle the pressure of overtime.
Andersen and Kochetkov's Dynamic
Kochetkov is to be the backup to Frederik Andersen, who made his return late last season. Frederik Andersen's return this season will bring stability back into the goalkeeping. While the stability is there, security would be an issue if only one goalie was reliable. This is why Kochetkov is a nice addition to the goalie depth chart, and interestingly enough may be the key to a Hurricanes Stanley Cup victory. Historically, the Hurricanes have struggled moderately with their depth at goalie. Last season Andersen’s health put young Kochetkov in the spotlight. In previous years, high turnover rates in goaltending have put new goalies in a difficult situation of learning the team’s dynamic in unpredictable environments. Injuries in the goalie position have also hurt the Canes in previous seasons. High turnover rates and injuries have contributed to a Hurricanes team that can perform well but has been shy of competing for the Stanley Cup. With two strong returning goalies, the Hurricanes have revitalized this aspect of their game. With Andersen's health, and Kochetkov’s youthful resilience, the Hurricanes have two players poised to be major leaders for this team.
If Andersen and Kochetkov play well and remain healthy, the Hurricanes may have a clear path to the Stanley Cup. Andersen and Kochetkov on their own bring a lot to the team. Together they bring a set of circumstances and skills that could propel the Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup. Andersen, an experienced and tenured goaltender, has the ability to remain consistent and excel in the role. His experience in the league has other benefits, as he has the opportunity to mentor a promising Kochetkov. Kochetkov brings his perks to the team as well. Kochetkov has a lot of potential to be an all-star goalie at this current rate of improvement. Kochetkov also has Andersen to mentor him, which should speed up his journey to all-stardom even quicker. Not only does Kochetkov have skill, but his presence on the team will allow Andersen to remain rested throughout the season. Both Andersen and Kochetkov bearing the load of starting goalie allow both players to play at peak performance, leading to more consistent play. Andersen and Kochetkov’s reciprocal relationship can usher in a new golden era of Canes hockey, and bring the Stanley Cup home.
Better Goalie Play Means Better Team Play
Leaders on the ice set the tone, and nothing sets the tone more for a hockey team than a goalie who is relentless. Good goalie play by Andersen and Kochetkov can build momentum for the team. Consistent goalie play can keep the team’s confidence up, and keep the Canes from rushing their offense to overcome deficits. More organic play by the skaters should also improve consistency in this regard, and lead to a more efficient scoring team.