Pyotr Kochetkov Is One Win Away From NHL History...

Ten starts. Ten wins. Zero losses.

And now, Pyotr Kochetkov is one victory away from putting his name alongside an NHL record that has stood for more than five years.

The Carolina Hurricanes goaltender continued his remarkable start to the 2026-27 season Sunday afternoon, stopping all 26 shots he faced in a commanding 7-0 victory over the Winnipeg Jets at Lenovo Center.

The shutout was Kochetkov's second of the season and 13th of his NHL career, but the real story was the number in the win column.

With his tenth consecutive victory, Kochetkov established a new Hurricanes franchise record for consecutive wins by a goaltender and became just the third netminder in NHL history to win his first ten games of a season.

Now, only one name stands ahead of him. One Win Away From the NHL Record.

Kochetkov's tenth victory tied former Montreal Canadiens superstar Carey Price, who opened the 2016-17 season with ten consecutive wins.

Price, a former Hart Trophy and Vezina Trophy winner, was widely considered one of the NHL's premier goaltenders during his career. Matching one of his accomplishments is significant enough.

But Kochetkov has an opportunity to go even further.

In 2020-21, Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jack Campbell opened his season with eleven consecutive victories, establishing the NHL record for the longest season-opening winning streak by a goaltender.

That record remains intact. For now.....

With his next victory, Kochetkov would tie Campbell's mark, adding another remarkable accomplishment to a season that is quickly becoming one of the most impressive opening stretches by a goaltender in league history.

The fact that he has reached this point without a single defeat makes the accomplishment even more extraordinary.

Carolina Dominates Winnipeg From Start to Finish

While Kochetkov was making history at one end of the ice, Carolina's offense made sure there would be little doubt about the outcome. Defenseman Sean Walker opened the scoring just 5:16 into the first period with a shorthanded goal, setting the tone for what would become a miserable afternoon for Winnipeg.

The Hurricanes carried a 1-0 advantage into the first intermission before completely overwhelming the Jets in the second period.

Juuso Välimäki doubled the lead just 1:55 into the middle frame, and Sebastian Aho followed with a power-play goal only 24 seconds later.

Walker added his second goal of the afternoon before Logan Stankoven extended Carolina's advantage to 5-0.

At the time of Stankoven's goal, the Hurricanes had scored as many goals as Winnipeg had registered shots.

The onslaught forced Jets starting goaltender Stuart Skinner from the game after allowing five goals on 17 shots.

Mark Jankowski and Jesperi Kotkaniemi added third-period goals to complete the seven-goal demolition.

Stankoven finished with three points, while Walker recorded his second career multi-goal game.

The victory extended Carolina's winning streak to four games and improved its record to 12-2-2. For Winnipeg, the loss marked its ninth consecutive game without a victory.

More Than Just an Impressive Winning Streak

Although the historic winning streak is generating headlines, Kochetkov's individual performance deserves just as much attention.

Through ten starts, the Hurricanes netminder has posted a remarkable .929 save percentage, a 1.49 goals-against average, and two shutouts.

Those numbers demonstrate that his undefeated record isn't simply the product of Carolina's offensive production. Kochetkov has consistently provided the stability that championship-caliber teams need from their starting goaltender.

His performance against Winnipeg was another example.

Despite Carolina building a substantial lead, Kochetkov remained focused and completed the shutout, refusing to give the Jets any opportunity to build momentum.

That kind of consistency has been a defining characteristic of his season and it's becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the possibility that Carolina has found the long-term answer in goal it has been searching for.

Climbing the Hurricanes' Record Books

Kochetkov's accomplishments aren't limited to the current season.

His latest shutout moved him into a tie with Mike Liut for third place in franchise history with 13 career shutouts.

Only Cam Ward, with 27, and Arturs Irbe, with 20, remain ahead of him. For a goaltender still establishing himself as an NHL starter, moving into that company represents another significant milestone.

Carolina has enjoyed talented goaltenders throughout its history, but Kochetkov is beginning to establish a legacy of his own.

His aggressive style, athleticism, and growing confidence have made him one of the most compelling players on the Hurricanes' roster.

And with every victory, the argument that he could become the franchise's long-term cornerstone between the pipes grows stronger.

The Bigger Question: Can Kochetkov Deliver in the Playoffs?

There is, however, one important distinction between an outstanding regular-season goaltender and a true franchise cornerstone.

Postseason success.

Carolina has assembled talented teams capable of competing with the NHL's best, but translating regular-season dominance into a Stanley Cup championship has remained a challenge.

Kochetkov's previous postseason appearances have not produced the same level of success he is enjoying now.

That history cannot be ignored.

However, goaltenders frequently require time and experience before reaching their full potential.

Confidence, positioning, decision-making, and the ability to handle pressure can all improve with experience.

The version of Kochetkov currently occupying Carolina's crease appears increasingly comfortable carrying the responsibilities of a number-one goaltender.

If that development continues into the postseason, the Hurricanes could find themselves in an entirely different position when the Stanley Cup Playoffs arrive.

For now, though, the focus remains on the opportunity directly in front of him.

A Date With History Awaits

The Hurricanes return to action Tuesday night in Nashville, where Kochetkov could have an opportunity to equal Campbell's NHL record if he receives the start. A victory would give him eleven consecutive wins to open the season, placing him in a tie for the longest such streak in NHL history.

Beyond that lies the possibility of becoming the first goaltender ever to win his first twelve games of a season.

It's an extraordinary position for any NHL player.

And for Kochetkov, it represents another opportunity to demonstrate that his remarkable start is more than a temporary hot streak. Ten games into his season, the Hurricanes have yet to experience defeat with Kochetkov in goal.

He's already rewritten the franchise record book, joined Carey Price in NHL history, and placed himself within striking distance of a record that few goaltenders have ever approached.

Now, one more victory could make him a part of hockey history.

And if his first ten starts are any indication, betting against Pyotr Kochetkov might not be the smartest decision.