Kochetkov Opened 2026-27 Season With Two Wins
The Carolina Hurricanes goaltender has secured consecutive victories following his return from hip surgery.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Hockey
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Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov has started the 2026-27 NHL season with a 2-0-0 record. This performance follows his recovery from hip surgery performed during the previous season.
Why it matters
The Hurricanes are relying on Kochetkov as their primary goaltender to defend their Stanley Cup title after parting ways with veteran Frederik Andersen. The team is counting on his health and production to anchor their crease throughout the season.
Kochetkov carries a 2-0-0 record with a 1.95 goals-against average and .940 save percentage. He saved 18 of 20 shots against the Vancouver Canucks and 16 of 18 shots in his first 2026-27 start.
The players
Pyotr Kochetkov
He is the starting goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes who recently signed a two-year contract extension worth $3.95 million annually.
Frederik Andersen
He is a veteran goaltender who served as a key presence for the Carolina Hurricanes but did not return to the team for the 2026-27 season.
Brandon Bussi
He is a goaltender expected to share net-minding duties with Kochetkov for the remainder of the current NHL season.
Paul Schonfelder
He is the goaltender coach who previously identified Kochetkov as a player with the potential to reach an elite level of performance.
The details
Kochetkov effectively utilizes an aggressive poke check technique to disrupt opposing forwards while playing within a defensive system that prioritizes limiting shots on goal. The team expects this approach to stabilize their defense as they aim to repeat as champions.
Timeline
October 3, 2026: The Hurricanes defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2.
October 8, 2026: Kochetkov earned his victory against the Vancouver Canucks.
October 10, 2026: The Hurricanes played against the Chicago Blackhawks.
October 11, 2026: The Hurricanes played against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Season Trajectory
Kochetkov's early-season play directly impacts the Hurricanes' ability to repeat as Stanley Cup champions. His performance dictates whether the team needs to lean heavily on Brandon Bussi or can maintain a clear hierarchy in goal.
Kochetkov's early .940 save percentage and 1.95 goals-against average provide a reliable foundation for the Hurricanes' defensive metrics. These figures suggest that the team's strategy to limit nightly shots faced is currently yielding successful results for their primary goalie.
The takeaway
Kochetkov has proven his ability to bounce back from major surgery to anchor a championship-caliber team. Readers should watch for his consistency as he handles the workload over the remaining 79 games of the regular season.
What happens next
Kochetkov is projected to potentially start in the upcoming game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday.
Further reading
For more news and analysis on the team's goalie rotation, visit our Hockey section.
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Do you trust your team's young starting goalie to maintain elite performance throughout the full season?
