Kochetkov made his NHL debut on Saturday against the Devils, earning a win by stopping 17 out of 19. Then, during Sunday's second period against the Islanders, the 22-year-old entered in relief when Antti Raanta went down with an injury. After the first shot beat him, he locked it down to go 7/7 the rest of the way, earning a second victory in as many days.
On the Raanta front, he is expected to back up Kochetkov tonight, a welcomed sign after being forced out of the game in what looked like clear lower-body pain. Rod Brind'Amour said after morning skate that it does not appear to be a serious injury and that Raanta could play tonight if he had to, but there's no point in putting someone in there who isn't 100%.
Brind'Amour was also asked about Frederik Andersen, to which the head coach said that he did not have an update today, but he is hoping to get one tomorrow.
Up front, Vincent Trocheck comes back in after being rested for the victory on Long Island. Steven Lorentz comes out as a result. Additionally, Andrei Svechnikov bumps up to play alongside Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis, a role that had been held as of late by Teuvo Teravainen.
The projected lineup for tonight's 7 p.m. EST puck drop is:
Forwards:
Svechnikov - Aho - Jarvis
Domi - Trocheck - Teravainen
Niederreiter - Staal - Fast
Martinook - Stepan - Necas
Defensemen:
Slavin - DeAngelo
Skjei - Pesce
Smith - Cole
Starting Goalie:
Kochetkov
Injuries:
Frederik Andersen
Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Scratches:
Ethan Bear
Steven Lorentz
Note: Lineup subject to change prior to opening faceoff
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NHL Standings
