Pyotr Kochetkov has pushed his name into Carolina Hurricanes history twice over this season, and the latest milestone comes with a number that jumps off the page: 10 straight wins.
That run has given the Russian goaltender a pair of franchise records. It is the longest winning streak ever by a Hurricanes/Whalers netminder to begin a season, and it is also the longest winning streak at any point in a season in team history.
Before Kochetkov, the best start to a season belonged to Frederik Andersen, who opened 2021-22 with eight straight wins. The overall mark had been tied by Cam Ward and Brandon Bussi, both with nine-game streaks in 2008-09 and 2024-25, respectively.
Kochetkov’s numbers have backed up the results. He leads the league in wins, and his .929 save percentage ranks third among all goaltenders who have appeared in at least five games.
The 27-year-old has already had his share of ups and downs in his career, but this has clearly been the strongest stretch of his season. Carolina is riding the momentum, too, with the club eyeing a fifth consecutive start for him.
Following Kochetkov’s second shutout of the season, defenseman Sean Walker praised what the goalie has brought behind him.
"We're super comfortable and confident with him back there," said Canes defenseman Sean Walker following Kochetkov's second shutout of the season. "We know how talented and skilled he is.
He makes it easy on the D on a nightly basis the way he can handle the puck and break it out. He's playing at an awesome level right now, and I'm just happy that we're able to limit those high-danger chances.
And when he does get them, he's making big saves. So just super proud of him.
It's pretty awesome."
In Other News...
Canes Road Slip Just Ended A Streak Fans Were Watching
The Carolina Hurricanes trip to Nashville turned into a reminder that even a strong start can hit a rough patch on the road. In a 4-1 loss to the Predators, Pyotr Kochetkov still gave Carolina a chance with a solid performance in net, but Nashville grabbed the early lead and kept the Hurricanes chasing the game from there.
Nick Perbix, Roman Josi and Adam Edstrom did the damage for the Predators as Carolina never found a way to fully close the gap. For the Hurricanes, the loss was more than just a blemish in the standings, since it also interrupted a run that had been quietly building around Kochetkovs early-season form. [Read more 🡒]
Hurricanes Bring A Lot More Than Momentum Into Nashville
The Hurricanes are expected to keep the same lineup intact as they open a two-game road trip in Nashville, a sign of how well things have been going as they try to carry their early-season form on the road. Pyotr Kochetkov has given them a steady edge in goal, and the group around him keeps looking increasingly settled as the schedule starts to tighten.
There is also a little personal milestone and a little homecoming mixed into the trip. Logan Stankoven is slated to skate in his 200th NHL game, while Mark Jankowski heads back to Nashville after a recent scoring burst that has given Carolina another useful layer of depth. For a team trying to keep its rhythm, those kinds of details matter almost as much as the points at stake. [Read more 🡒]
Hurricanes Blue Line Is Giving Fans A Real Reason To Believe
The blue line has become a big reason Carolina has opened the 2026-27 season sitting on top of the Metropolitan Division and the NHL. Sean Walker has fit in as more than just a steady defender, giving the Hurricanes a reliable presence at both ends of the ice, while Shayne Gostisbehere has brought the kind of puck-moving skill that can tilt a game and keep the attack flowing from the back end.
Rod BrindAmour has been quick to point out how much both defensemen have meant to the group, and it is easy to see why the early results have looked so strong. For Carolina, the encouraging part is not just that the points are coming from the blue line, but that the pair has helped set a tone that makes the Hurricanes look deep, balanced and hard to play against as the season settles in. [Read more 🡒]