RALEIGH, NC — Desperation has set in — and the Carolina Hurricanes are swinging big.
With their season hanging by a thread in a do-or-die Game 4 against the Florida Panthers, the Hurricanes have made a stunning goaltending change that has fans buzzing and social media on fire. Veteran netminder Frederik Andersen is out — and rookie sensation Yaniv Perets is IN.
Yes, you read that right.
Perets, the 24-year-old undrafted goalie from Quinnipiac University, who hasn’t started a game in these playoffs, will get the nod in the most crucial game of Carolina’s season. The Hurricanes trail the Panthers 3-0 in the series, and head coach Rod Brind’Amour is pulling out all the stops to keep the team alive.
Why the Change?
Andersen, who had been solid during stretches of the regular season, has struggled mightily in this series, posting a .867 save percentage and allowing several momentum-killing goals. Florida’s relentless forecheck and power play have exposed holes in the Hurricanes’ defensive wall — and Brind’Amour had seen enough.
“We need a spark. We believe in Yaniv,” Brind’Amour said in a fiery pregame presser. “He’s earned this chance, and there’s no bigger stage than tonight.”
Who is Yaniv Perets?
For those unfamiliar, Perets is no stranger to pressure. He led Quinnipiac to a national championship in 2023, boasting eye-popping numbers: a 1.49 GAA and .931 save percentage that season. Signed by the Hurricanes shortly after, he’s climbed the ranks quickly, earning praise for his composure, rebound control, and mental toughness.
While he’s only made five NHL appearances this season, posting a 3-1-0 record with a 2.21 GAA, insiders say the locker room has rallied behind him in recent days.
All Eyes on Sunrise
Tonight’s Game 4 in Sunrise, Florida, just became must-watch TV. The Panthers are licking their chops, knowing they can close out the series at home — but now they’ll have to solve a fresh goalie with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
Can Perets pull off a miracle? Can the Hurricanes rally behind the rookie and extend the series?
One thing’s certain: this is the boldest move of Brind’Amour’s coaching career — and it might just be crazy enough to work.
Puck drops at 7:30 PM ET. Buckle up