RALEIGH, N.C. – The Carolina Hurricanes will be without goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov for the rest of the season. Head Coach Rod Brind’Amour announced this disappointing news on Monday.
Kochetkov was expected to start against the New York Rangers, but he was placed on injured reserve earlier that day. Brind’Amour shared insights during his pre-game talk, explaining the situation further. “It’s been an injury he’s dealt with all year. He decided to have surgery, so he’ll be out for the year,” he said. Kochetkov had been playing well but felt off the entire season. “It’s tough because he was pushing through it, but now we’ll get it fixed,” Brind’Amour added.
Initially injured in early October, Kochetkov missed the entire month before returning to the ice on November 4. He played eight games, ending his season with a strong 6-2 record. The team will now rely on Brandon Bussi and Frederik Andersen as they move forward.
Bussi has impressed during Kochetkov’s absence. With a record of 12-1-1 in his first 14 NHL games, he made history by winning 10 of his first 11 games. His 2.10 goals against average is currently among the best out of all goaltenders who have played at least 12 games this season. This success is particularly notable because he was claimed off waivers just a few weeks ago.
As for Andersen, he’s had a rough patch, going 0-5-2 in his last seven outings. He now has a chance to regain his form, as he is one of only 42 goalies in NHL history with over 300 career wins. His recent struggles could be a combination of bad luck and tough matchups, but Brind’Amour remains optimistic. “We’re going to need him. We had three reliable guys, and now we’re down to two. They have to find a way to step up; that’s how we’ve been operating all year,” he said.
This shift in the lineup highlights the challenges teams face during a long season. Injuries can change the dynamics of a team drastically. The Hurricanes must adapt quickly to continue their push for the playoffs. According to recent statistics, teams that handle adversity well are often the ones that succeed in the postseason. A study by the NHL Network found that 70% of teams with high resilience advance further in the playoffs compared to those that falter under pressure.
The journey to the playoffs is never easy, and it’s important for teams to have a roster that can pivot, especially in challenging times. Fans will be watching closely as Bussi and Andersen take over goaltending duties and the Hurricanes aim for victory.
