Andersen’s return bonus in Carolina

So, who gets the net?

That’s the big question in Boston as the Bruins gear up for the postseason, but it’s also a legit query in Raleigh, N.C., where Frederik Andersen’s triumphant return between the pipes has been remarkable.

The Hurricanes in November listed the 11-year veteran as out indefinitely with a blood-clotting condition the club later revealed as deep vein thrombosis that caused pulmonary embolisms.

“I was dealing with some pain low in the lungs,” Andersen told reporters recently. “And that’s what kind of hindered me breathing. I was playing through a game with a little bit of pain, and I was like, ‘Oh, this is not great,’ but I felt like it was not the worst I’ve played through. And all of a sudden, we’re being told you can’t be on the ice.”

Following a three-month regiment that included “heavy doses of blood thinners,” that kept him off the ice, Andersen returned to game action

March 7.

In 10 starts since, Andersen is 9-1, with his lone loss to the Bruins April 4.

“I’ve been happy just getting back in the locker room,” Andersen said after being named the Hurricanes’ nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy, given annually to the NHL player “best exemplifying perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication” to hockey. “It’s been so much fun, and I think this room has been great and supported me as well. And they’ve been out there competing every time I’ve been in the net, and it’s been really fun to be able to be back with them.”

While Andersen was recovering, rookie Pyotr Kochetkov made the most of his opportunity, winning 22 games with a .911 save percentage in 39 starts.

Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour faces the same quandary as Boston’s

Jim Montgomery: two quality goaltenders for just one playoff net.

Brind’Amour could consider a home-away rotation. Since returning, Andersen is 8-1 in nine starts at PNC Arena.