Nine Straight: Kochetkov Makes Hurricanes History

Pyotr Kochetkov has turned a perfect start into a place in the Hurricanes’ record book.

His ninth consecutive victory to open the season surpassed Frederik Andersen’s franchise mark of eight, established in 2021-22. NHL record report

For Kochetkov, the milestone recognizes an exceptional opening month. For Carolina, it reflects something just as valuable: a goaltender whose consistency keeps turning competitive games into wins. The record-setting performance came Thursday at Lenovo Center, where Kochetkov made 24 saves in a 3-2 victory over Columbus. Carolina improved to 11-2-2 through 15 games, giving the Hurricanes 24 points and their third consecutive win. 

Nine starts. Nine victories. And increasingly, a reason for the Hurricanes to believe they can finish the job whenever he takes the crease.

A historic start backed by strong numbers

Kochetkov’s record is supported by a 1.66 goals-against average, .919 save percentage and one shutout. He has stopped 170 of 185 shots through nine appearances.  Those numbers show why this run means more than a goalie receiving enough offensive support to stay unbeaten. Kochetkov is limiting the damage and keeping Carolina’s winning opportunities intact.

He has also entered rare territory across the league, becoming the fourth NHL goaltender to begin a season with at least nine consecutive victories.  A streak like that requires contributions throughout the lineup. It also requires a goalie to deliver across different kinds of games, including the ones that become uncomfortable late.

Columbus made him earn the finish

Thursday provided that test.

Jordan Martinook and Logan Stankoven helped build a two-goal lead before Mark Jankowski scored just 16 seconds into the third period. Columbus then answered twice, cutting the deficit to one with 10:10 remaining.  What had looked like a comfortable night became a game Carolina still had to close.

That is where dependable goaltending carries its greatest value. Once a lead shrinks, every rebound, screen and loose puck becomes more consequential. The team protecting the advantage needs its goalie to prevent a difficult stretch from becoming a lost result.

Kochetkov and the Hurricanes held on. The record arrived through a finish that demanded composure.

Why his run matters to Carolina

The Hurricanes’ system and Kochetkov’s performance strengthen each other.

Carolina’s pressure can disrupt opponents before they establish an attack. Defensive support can limit second chances and help the goalie see the puck. Kochetkov still has to complete those possessions with saves. When that partnership works, the Hurricanes can stay committed to their approach. They can survive a missed scoring opportunity, a defensive mistake or a stretch when the opponent pushes back.

That confidence matters in close games. Carolina does not have to treat every unsuccessful shift as an emergency. It can reset, keep working and trust that the next chance may be enough.

Kochetkov’s start has helped give the Hurricanes that freedom.

Andersen’s standard, Kochetkov’s milestone

Passing Andersen gives the streak a meaningful place in franchise history. It sets a new standard for how a Hurricanes goaltender can begin a season. The distinction is specifically consecutive victories to open a season. It captures the immediate reliability Kochetkov has provided from his first appearance onward.

Maintaining that level will become harder as the schedule progresses. Opponents adjust, workloads change and even excellent goalies encounter difficult nights.

But none of that diminishes what he has already accomplished. Kochetkov has given Carolina nine winning performances in nine starts, helping build an early cushion in the standings while establishing himself as one of the central figures in the team’s success.

Andersen’s eight-win opening run was the benchmark. Kochetkov has moved it to nine, and the Hurricanes keep moving with him.