Kochetkov recalled on an emergency basis by Canes
Pyotr Kochetkov has emerged as a beloved player among Caniacs, thanks to his unwavering commitment to the game and his spirited interactions with opponents. He refuses to tolerate any disrespectful taunts and is known for his impressive goal celebrations. Despite his nonexistent lip lettuce, Kochetkov has proven to be a fiery competitor who excels at defending the net.
The Carolina Hurricanes have called up goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov on an emergency basis, adding another layer of intrigue to their already impressive season. Kochetkov, a 23-year-old Russian native, has been with the Hurricanes organization since being drafted in the second round (36th overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
Kochetkov is no stranger to playing at a high level. Before being drafted, he played for the Russian junior team in the World Junior Championships, posting a 1.45 goals-against average and a .953 save percentage in four games played. He also helped lead Russia to a bronze medal at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championships.
In his first season with the Hurricanes’ organization in 2021-2022, Kochetkov played in three games for the team, starting two and earning three wins. He faced 61 shots and allowed six goals, giving him a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.42 and a save percentage (SV%) of .902. While those numbers are not overly impressive, it was still a solid showing for a young goaltender making his NHL debut.
This season, Kochetkov has had the opportunity to play in 19 games, starting 18 of them. He has compiled a record of 10-4-5, with five of his wins coming in overtime. He has faced 497 shots and allowed 43 goals, giving him a GAA of 2.33 and an SV% of .913. He has also recorded three shutouts, showcasing his ability to make the big saves when needed.
Kochetkov’s numbers show that he has the potential to be a successful NHL goaltender. His strong play in the AHL last season, where he posted a .912 SV% and a 2.70 GAA in 22 games, earned him his first call-up to the NHL. Kochetkov’s strong performance in the 2022-2023 season has solidified his status as a legitimate prospect for the Hurricanes.
It remains to be seen how much playing time Kochetkov will receive during his current call-up, but he has shown that he is capable of handling the pressure of the NHL. His impressive numbers indicate that he could be a valuable asset to the Hurricanes both in the short term and the long term.
In conclusion, Pyotr Kochetkov’s recall to the Hurricanes is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the game of hockey. He has steadily progressed through the Hurricanes’ system and has now earned the opportunity to prove himself at the NHL level. It will be interesting to see how he performs during his current call-up and what the future holds for this young goaltender.