Overview
- Carolina recalled goalie Pyotr Kochetkov and winger Felix Unger Sorum from AHL Chicago to prep for the postseason, with Rod Brind'Amour tapping Kochetkov to start the regular-season finale against the Islanders.
- Kochetkov returns from a hip injury after a short conditioning stint with the Chicago Wolves, where he allowed two goals on 27 shots across two games.
- The 20-year-old Unger Sorum earned the look after a breakout AHL year with 63 points in 69 games, leading players age 23 or younger in scoring.
- The start comes as Carolina sorts a crowded crease, with Frederik Andersen posting a .871 save rate and Brandon Bussi winning 30 games but sitting below .900.
- Carolina has clinched its division and the East’s top seed for the first time in franchise history, so these moves act as final checks before the playoff lineup is set.