Carolina Hurricanes lose Kochetkov for season, turn to rookie Bussi
The Carolina Hurricanes face a major setback as goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov will miss the rest of the season due to surgery. The team currently leads the Metropolitan Division but must now rely on rookie Brandon Bussi and veteran Frederik Andersen. Kochetkov’s injury has plagued him since preseason, limiting his appearances this year.
Kochetkov, who has struggled with a lower-body issue since before the season began, will undergo surgery after playing just nine games. His record stood at 6-2-0, with a 2.33 goals-against average and an .899 save percentage. The injury forced him to miss the first 11 matches of the campaign.
With Kochetkov sidelined, the Hurricanes will turn to Bussi, who has impressed in 14 starts this season. The 26-year-old holds a 12-1-1 record, a 2.10 goals-against average, and a .912 save percentage. Coach Rod Brind’Amour has stressed that both Bussi and Andersen must step up in Kochetkov’s absence. Andersen, the team’s experienced netminder, has had a tougher season. In 15 starts, he has posted a 5-8-2 record, a 3.27 goals-against average, and an .869 save percentage. Bussi is expected to start Monday’s game against the New York Rangers, with Andersen serving as backup. The Rangers, meanwhile, will likely start Igor Shesterkin in net. The matchup was originally expected to feature either Kochetkov or Bussi for Carolina, but Kochetkov’s injury has now settled the question.
Kochetkov’s season-ending surgery leaves Carolina without one of its key goaltenders. Bussi’s strong performance so far will be crucial as the Hurricanes aim to maintain their division lead. The team’s success now depends heavily on their remaining netminders stepping up in the coming months.
