Maple Leafs fire coach Sheldon Keefe after first-round exit.
The Toronto Maple Leafs relieved Sheldon Keefe of head-coaching duties on Thursday.According to a statement from the club, a search for Keefe's replacement will begin immediately.
"Today's decision was difficult," said Leafs' general manager Brad Treliving. "Sheldon is an excellent coach and a great man; however, we determined a new voice is needed to help the team push through to reach our ultimate goal. We thank Sheldon for his hard work and dedication to the organization over the last nine years, and wish him and his family all the very best."
Hurricanes turn to rookie goalie Pyotr Kochetkov for Game 3.
The Carolina Hurricanes will start rookie goalie Pyotr Kochetkov in Game 3 on Thursday night, trailing the New York Rangers 2-0 in their Eastern Conference second-round series.Starter Freddie Andersen lost Games 1 and 2 at Madison Square Garden, stopping 54 of 62 shots (.871 save percentage). That included a 4-3 double-overtime loss on Game 2 on Tuesday.
"Freddie's played really well. He's also played a lot. I think giving him a little rest is the best thing," said coach Rod Brind'Amour on Thursday.
While technically a rookie this season, Kochetkov is no playoff novice. He played four games for the Hurricanes in the 2022 playoffs, including two against the Rangers, and appeared in a second-round game against the New Jersey Devils last season.
Kochetkov, 24, was 23-13-4 with a .911 save percentage and a 2.33 goals-against average in 42 games this season for the Hurricanes.
"He's got a different demeanor. That's obvious. Freddie's really calm and cool and Kuch is more passionate. Wears his emotions on his sleeve. But they're both really good goalies," said Brind'Amour. "At the end of the day, he's fresh and I hope he has a great game."
The Hurricanes coach also announced that center Evgeny Kuznetsov would return the lineup after being a healthy scratch in Game 2.
Game 3 is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET in Raleigh. The Hurricanes were 27-10-4 at home in the regular season, the fifth best record in the NHL.
How about those New York Rangers! 
