Pyotr Kochetkov moves to 5-0
Carolina Hurricanes goaltender continues to win hockey games
Pyotr Kochetkov was drafted 36th overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Kochetkov was the second goalie taken behind Spencer Knight who was one of eight U.S National Development Team players taken in the first round.
Kochetkov made his debut in North America last season playing in 15 games for the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League (AHL). The transition to the North American game was seamless, Kochetkov recorded a .921 save percentage and finished the year with a 13-1-1 record. In three NHL appearances Kochetkov went 3-0.
The promising young goalie has been given more opportunity to start the 2022-23 NHL season.
Hurricane’s goaltender Frederik Andersen suffered an injury during practice and has been absent in the Hurricanes past four games. Kochetkov, who had been playing the starting role in Chicago was called up in Andersen’s absence.
In his first two starts this season Kochetkov has been nothing short of spectacular. On Nov. 10 Kochetkov made his season debut against Edmonton and put on an incredible performance for the home crowd. Late in the second period Kochetkov made a vintage flying poke check to keep a two-goal lead.
Kochetkov was the third star of the game in route to leading the Hurricanes to a 7-2 victory. His confidence was visibly evident and enlightened the Hurricanes crowd who have not enjoyed quality goaltending that was to be expected from Andersen this year.
On Monday Kochetkov got hold of the net again as the Hurricanes faced off against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. In just his fifth regular-season game Kochetkov saved all 27 shots on goal earning his first career shutout.
Pyotr Kochetkov is not making decisions easy for head coach Rod Brind’Amour when Andersen returns from injury. The young goaltender is now 5-0 in his NHL career and is gleaming with flash and confidence.
Kochetkov will face his biggest test to date as the Hurricanes host the defending Stanley Cup Champions tomorrow at PNC Arena.
It won’t be long until Kochetkov will be talked about in the same presence as fellow countrymen Igor Shesterkin and Ilya Sorokin. This kid is special.