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Pyotr Kochetkov Continues Earning His Keep As Canes Keep Winning

By Chris Baker

ELMONT, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 10: Pyotr Kochetkov #52 of the Carolina Hurricanes makes the first period save on Anders Lee #27 of the New York Islanders at the UBS Arena on December 10, 2022 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
ELMONT, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 10: Pyotr Kochetkov #52 of the Carolina Hurricanes makes the first period save on Anders Lee #27 of the New York Islanders at the UBS Arena on December 10, 2022 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Saturday night Pyotr Kochetkov shut out the New York Islanders with only 16 saves. I am not complaining one bit, as it shows the defense was doing its job and the offense was clicking. Still, Kochetkov showed why he needs to be with the Hurricanes for the remainder.

As talk about Kochetkov’s future once Freddie Andersen returns getting louder, the Russian rookie keeps throwing up A+ games while keeping the Carolina Hurricanes in a position to win.

Originally I argued the Hurricanes would be better served to send Andersen down to Chicago, thus letting Kochetkov and Antti Raanta tend the net.

That might be what happens for a few games for Andersen to get his legs under him with some conditioning starts, but I am starting to see the circumstances differently.

A sign of maturity is the ability to change your mind, and adapt to new ways of thinking. I want to adapt my train of thought and argue for sending Raanta down and keeping Andersen, once he is fully stable and on his feet, up with the big team.

In my mind, there is no way GM Don Waddell or coach Rod Brind’Amour could honestly look Kochetkov in the eyes and send him back to a STRUGGLING Chicago Wolves team.

No matter how hard you want to argue, the Wolves are struggling due to the lack of Kochetkov.

Even with the deal the 23 year old signed earlier in the year, ensuring his place on the team for at least the foreseeable future. The move back to Chicago would be, for all tense and purposing thumbing your nose at the absolutely stellar play the goal has been showing.

It might, unfortunately, be ignoring a 1,000lb pink rhino in the room.

I despise this question, but it begs asking. “What has Raanta, done lately?”. His numbers over the last five appearances look like a back up goalie, only playing when the #1 just cannot make it.

Should Kochetkov keep starting 3 of 4 or at the least 2 of 3 over the upcoming homestand, it would mean Raanta has just two or maybe three starts for the month of December. December 1st is the last time Raanta was on the ice and he was pulled in the 3rd against the Blues due to injury.

Game legs, no matter how good you are, do not just come back after not playing. It’s been a long time since Raanta has finished a game, and Pyotr Kochetkov keeps putting the bacon on the table.

It makes no sense to keep Raanta up with the Carolina Hurricanes if we have a young, energetic player in Pyotr Kochetkov.

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