Kochetkov to Undergo Surgery, Expected to Miss Remainder of Season.

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov is likely finished for the season after deciding to undergo surgery for a lingering lower-body injury, head coach Rod Brind’Amour confirmed on Monday. Kochetkov, 26, sustained the injury during the preseason and began the year on injured reserve. Although he was expected to split goaltending responsibilities once again with Frederik Andersen, his health limited him to just nine appearances. In those games, Kochetkov posted a 6–2–0 record with a 2.33 goals-against average and a .899 save percentage. Originally scheduled to start Monday’s game against the New York Rangers, Kochetkov was ruled out when Brind’Amour revealed the goalie’s decision to proceed with surgery. According to the coach, Kochetkov had not felt fully healthy all season but continued to compete at a high level despite the discomfort. Ultimately, the decision was made to address the issue surgically rather than continue playing through the injury. Now in his fifth NHL season, Kochetkov has shared time in the crease with Andersen over the past two years and has appeared in 10 postseason games with Carolina. Despite ranking 24th in the league in overall save percentage at .884, the Hurricanes remain strong defensively, sitting 10th in goals-against average at 2.86. Andersen, 36, has struggled this season with a 5–8–2 record and a .869 save percentage, but Carolina has benefited from the strong play of Brandon Bussi.

Bussi, 27, has emerged as a key contributor after being claimed off waivers from the Florida Panthers on Oct. 5. The former Boston Bruins minor-league goalie has excelled in his first 14 games with Carolina, compiling a 12–1–1 record and a .912 save percentage.

Carolina currently holds a 23–11–3 record, giving them a .662 points percentage and placing them atop both the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference standings.