Russian Rookie Goalie gets his first playoff win after a first-period injury
If you didn't know who Pyotr Kochetkov was, after tonight's Carolina Hurricanes 5-2 win over the Boston Bruins, now you know. The 22-year-old Russian goaltender played 15 games for the AHL Chicago Wolves this year and was honored as the league's Rookie of the Month for March. He was then called up and played his first NHL game on April 23 and now he has officially played his first NHL Playoff game, bringing his NHL career record to 4-0-0. With 12 minutes left in the first period of game two, the Bruins' David Pastrňák collided with goaltender Antti Raanta and it was reported by the Canes PR team that he would not return to the game due to an upper-body injury. Kochetkov has been the Canes' number two ever since Frederik Andersen�s injury and tonight, the Russian goaltender had to step up in a big way for Raleigh.
As reported by the NHL PR Team, at 22 years, 313 days old, Pyotr Kochetkov is now the third-youngest goaltender in Carolina Hurricanes/Hartford Whalers history to make his Stanley Cup debut, sitting behind Kay Whitmore at 21 years, 360 days and Cam Ward at 22 years, 54 days.
After coming in for Raanta, Kochetkov made 30 saves to finish out the game and was awarded the third star. There's been no update on Raanta, other than the fact that Rod Brind'Amour confirmed he was not in concussion protocol. Game 3 is set for Friday up in Boston, with the Carolina Hurricanes now leading the series 2�0.
| POLL | ||
are the Carolina hurricanes screwed having their two main goalies injured? | ||
| Yes, they�re done for! | 102 | 29.1 % |
| No they are a great team! | 115 | 32.9 % |
| Boston sucks! Go Carolina! | 93 | 26.6 % |
| Carolina sucks! Go Boston! | 40 | 11.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
