Hurricanes goalie Kochetkov out for season after surgery

The Carolina Hurricanes have announced a significant change to their goaltending lineup as Pyotr Kochetkov is set to undergo surgery for a lower-body injury, ending his season prematurely. Coach Rod Brind'Amour confirmed Kochetkov's decision to have the procedure, noting that the goaltender had been playing effectively despite ongoing discomfort throughout the year. This development necessitates a shift to a two-goalie tandem for the remainder of the games.

With Kochetkov sidelined, the Hurricanes will rely on Brandon Bussi and Frederik Andersen to cover the goaltending duties. Bussi, who has posted an impressive 12-1-1 record with a 2.10 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage, is scheduled to start on Monday, December 29th, against the New York Rangers. Andersen brings his own experience, with a 5-8-2 record and a 3.27 goals-against average.

Kochetkov's performance this season, despite the injury, was strong, with a 6-2 record, a 2.33 goals-against average, and a .899 save percentage. His decision to undergo surgery underscores his desire to address the issue fully, ensuring he can return to peak performance in the future. The team now aims to maintain their competitive edge with their adjusted goaltending strategy.