Kochetkov credits changed approach during unbeaten start
Carolina’s goalie has won all seven starts after returning from an injury-shortened season.
Pyotr Kochetkov says he has changed how he approaches hockey after an injury limited him to nine games last season. The Carolina Hurricanes goalie told NHL.com that he is concentrating on preparation and recovery rather than putting pressure on each result.
Kochetkov has won his first seven starts this season, with a 1.70 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage. He stopped 24 shots in Saturday’s 4-0 victory at St. Louis.
“I changed my mindset,” Kochetkov told NHL.com. He said time away from the lineup had given him a greater appreciation of being able to play.
A hip injury eventually required surgery last season. Kochetkov returned to practice before the playoffs and was available as a backup during the Stanley Cup Final. He now shares Carolina’s net with Brandon Bussi.
