Hurricanes Sign Free Agent Goalie Hours After Possibly Losing Frederik Andersen for the Playoffs
Photo credit: AP News
The Carolina Hurricanes have acted quickly following the injury to starter Frederik Andersen, signing Russian goaltender Amir Miftakhov of Ak Bars Kazan in the KHL.
While Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen is among the more capable players at his position in the NHL, he's also unfortunately among the more injury-prone players in the League.
He was hurt during Sunday afternoon's Game 4 victory over the New Jersey Devils, who the Hurricanes are battling in their Round 1 series of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Andersen was replaced in goal by Pyotr Kochetkov, who subsequently allowed a goal on just the 2nd shot he faced; he settled down and backstopped Carolina to a 5-2 win and a 3-1 series lead.
Kochetkov is projected to start tonight's potential closeout Game 5 in Raleigh, and though the Hurricanes re-called goaltender Spencer Martin from the American Hockey League, they've also proactively brought in another figure.
Russian goaltender Amir Miftakhov, who had been playing with Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL, is signing with the Hurricanes per multiple reports; he had allegedly been coveted by several NHL clubs.
With Ak Bars Kazan this year, he went 13-11-3 and posted a 2.18 GAA with a .927 SV%; he also had 4 shutouts.
His scouting report via Elite Prospects reads as follows:
Miftakhov is smart, crafty, and boasts plenty of speed. He utilizes his size well by blending a well-positioned game with plenty of speed. He doesn't leave himself vulnerable often, and he doesn't mind coming out to challenge shots. His skating, hockey sense, and decision-making stand out among the draft class.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 29 | 196 ANSWERS Hurricanes Sign Free Agent Goalie Hours After Possibly Losing Frederik Andersen for the Playoffs Do the Hurricanes have any realistic chance at the Stanley Cup if Frederik Andersen is unavailable? | ||
| Yes | 62 | 31.6 % |
| No | 134 | 68.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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