In a surprising turn of events, the AHL’s Chicago Wolves Spencer Martin has been recalled in relief of an injured Carolina Hurricanes Goalie. The news broke this morning that a roster move was made bringing the 29-year-old Ontario native back into the top level of hockey. The move was followed by news that Frederik Andersen would be out due to suffering an undisclosed injury during the game against the Seattle Kraken. The good news, however, is that it is not in relation to a blood-clotting issue.
The full Rod Brind'Amour quote on Frederik Andersen:
"Freddie came up a little gimpy after the game in Seattle.
I'm not sure exactly the length or how long he's going to be (out). Obviously, we're hoping not too long, but he'll get checked out when we get back home." pic.twitter.com/ulgrpqiJ3T
— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) October 28, 2024
The Great Dane Has Been Living up to His Name
Frederik Andersen has put up incredible numbers since the season began. He has posted a goals-against average of 1.48 and a save percentage of .941. The numbers put him ahead of last season’s Vezina Trophy winner, Connor Hellebuyck, who, before tonight’s action, has yet to lose a game this season. This past season, Frederik Andersen only played 16 games prior to the playoffs, having missed several months due to a blood-clotting issue. Despite that, he made a recovery and finished the season strong with a 2.56 GAA and a .932 SV%.
What Has the Backup Carolina Hurricanes Goalie Been Like
One would believe that a backup is like a spare tire. Good to get you where you need, but a bit old or lower in quality than the usual. For Pyotr Kochetkov, this is not the case. As a matter of fact, this season he hasn’t quite been a backup, but rather the other starter. His play has been nearly identical to last season, with some improvements.
Back then, he was a backup who got some time in the limelight as he played in relief of Andersen. During which, he boasted a .911 SV%, that put him in the top 20 among goaltenders. His 2.33 GAA landed him in the top five across the league. In that stat, he was ahead of goaltenders like Sergei Bobrovsky, Connor Hellebuyck, and Igor Shesterkin. His performance even put him at fourth in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy as league’s top rookie.
What Has the Other Backup Carolina Hurricanes Goalie Been Like
The backup role is one that Spencer Martin is familiar with performing. Throughout his years in the NHL, he has only played in 57 games. In his six games played as a Carolina Hurricanes goaltender, he recorded four wins. A shootout loss and a loss in the final game of the regular season, that lacked the Canes’ offensive and defensive star power. This season with the Chicago Wolves, he is 1-1-1 with a 2.32 GAA and a .920 SV%.
The Carolina Hurricanes have options when it comes to their goaltending. However, a quick and healthy return for Freddie is something every Caniac looks forward to.
Main Photo Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
