Pyotr Kochetkov, set to be the Carolina Hurricanes’ starting goalie, was quickly in and out of the locker room Sunday after an early morning skate at PNC Arena. Later, rookie goalie Yaniv Perets, who few could have expected to be there Sunday, came walking into the room following the skate, soon to be surrounded by media to discuss hi call-up..
Antti Raanta was not there but his pads, mask and gear were, neatly stored away in his locker stall. Raanta, placed on NHL waivers Saturday by the Canes, was not claimed by any team Sunday and later reassigned to the Chicago Wolves of the AHL.
Then, there was Frederik Andersen. The goalie has not played since Nov. 2 because of a blood-cutting issue, but was going through a light workout with Bill Burniston, the team’s strength and conditioning coach.
Some situation, yes? It’s a goaltending quandary for a team that some oddsmakers made to be the preseason pick to win the 2024 Stanley Cup. Raanta’s absence Sunday was a downer. One could sense it in the room as the Canes prepared to face the Washington Capitals. The Caps won 2-1 in a nKochetkov had 20 saves but was beaten by an Evgeny Kuznetsov shootout
