NEW YORK – Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov, who compiled a 5-3-0 record in eight appearances to lead rookies (minimum: 3 GP) in wins (t-5), goals-against average (1.71), save percentage (.940) and shutouts (2), has been named the NHL’s “Rookie of the Month” for February.
Kochetkov edged Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matthew Knies (3-6—9 in 12 GP), Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard(2-5—7 in 7 GP), Philadelphia Flyers teammates Samuel Ersson (5‑2-1, 2.39 GAA, .909 SV%) and Tyson Foerster (5-1—6 in 6 GP), and New Jersey Devils goaltender Nico Daws (5-3-0, 3.02 GAA, .899 SV%) for the honor.
Kochetkov yielded two or fewer goals in six of his eight February contests, highlighted by a pair of 1-0 victories: Feb. 10 vs. NJD (34 SV) and Feb. 22 vs. FLA (45 SV). The latter marked the second-most saves in a shutout in franchise history – by a rookie or veteran – behind only Cam Ward (Feb. 2, 2012 at BOS: 47 SV) as well as the 12th instance in NHL history of a rookie registering a shutout with at least 45 saves (since 1955-56, when the statistic began being officially tracked).
The 24-year-old Kochetkov, the 36th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, owns a 16-10-3 record in 31 total appearances this season to sit among the rookie leaders (minimum: 3 GP) in goals-against average (1st; 2.35), shutouts (t-1st; 3), wins (2nd; 16), saves (3rd; 687) and save percentage (4th; .911). His 2.35 goals-against average also ranks second among all goaltenders, rookie or veteran, with a minimum of 20 games in 2023-24.
Kochetkov, who also was named “Rookie of the Month” for December 2022, joins Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal (October), Bedard (November and December) and Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber (January) as a recipient this season.
