Kochetkov Set to Start as Hurricanes Host Canucks

RALEIGH, N.C. — Pyotr Kochetkov is likely to start in net for the Carolina Hurricanes as they take on the Vancouver Canucks Friday night at Lenovo Center. This matchup follows the Hurricanes’ loss to the Washington Capitals, which ended their four-game winning streak.

Kochetkov has been impressive this season with a record of 2-0-0, a .938 save percentage, and a 1.47 goals against average. He had a strong outing in his last game, stopping 19 of 22 shots. Carolina Coach Rod Brind’Amour indicated that Kochetkov’s performance during morning skate solidified his position as starting goaltender.

No changes are expected among the Hurricanes’ skaters, with the line of Logan Stankoven, Jackson Blake, and Nikolaj Ehlers aiming to continue their offensive momentum. Ehlers is looking to extend his point streak to six games, while Blake hopes to secure points for the third consecutive game.

The Hurricanes’ projected forwards include Andrei Svechnikov, Sebastian Aho, and Seth Jarvis leading one line, while Ehlers, Stankoven, and Blake represent another strong offensive unit.

The Canucks, facing injury challenges, will be missing key players, including captain Quinn Hughes and goaltender Thatcher Demko. Despite this, Vancouver aims to bounce back after losses in their last two matches, including a recent defeat against the Winnipeg Jets.

The matchup begins at 7 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the game on the FanDuel Sports Network.