Kochetkov Reflects On Playoffs, Emotions, And Future With Hurricanes

Published: Jul 9, 2025, 2:00 PM
4 min read
Updated: Jul 9, 2025, 2:00 PM
Fact checked by:
Quinn Allen

Key Takeaways

  • Kochetkov admitted he didn’t know if he’d start Game 1 of the playoffs until the day before, and says he understands Brind’Amour’s decision.
  • After a rocky finish to the season and a sweep by Florida, Kochetkov is focused on emotional control and smarter long-term play.
  • Despite a subpar year, the 26-year-old is looking ahead: “If you play well, the money will come.”
Kochetkov in net

Kochetkov in net (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Pyotr Kochetkov has been with the Carolina Hurricanes since 2022. The 26-year-old goaltender, paired with veteran Frederik Andersen, forms one of the most dependable goalie duos in the NHL. Last season, Kochetkov played 47 regular-season games — twice as many as Andersen — but still started the playoffs as the backup. In an exclusive interview with RG, the Russian netminder admitted he didn’t know who would start the series against New Jersey until right before it began.

Losing to the Panthers — Again

“One day before the playoffs started, they said, ‘Looks like he’ll start.’ The plan was to go game by game. We won the first one, and they said, ‘Okay, he’ll play the next one too.’ So there wasn’t really a fixed plan. I understand Rod’s (Brind’Amour) logic. I just needed to play better.”

For the second time in three years, the Hurricanes lost to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final — and the Panthers went on to win the Stanley Cup. Kochetkov spoke honestly about another tough exit:

“I don’t want to say they were better or stronger, but they were definitely more prepared for playoff hockey. They had skill, toughness, just strong players overall. Great forecheck. Bobrovsky — everything was working for them. It was hard to respond. Theoretically, we could’ve grabbed a win or two, but everything would’ve had to go our way.”

Despite the sweep, Kochetkov believes the Carolina team from two years ago was stronger overall.

A Rough Season Statistically, Learning to Control Emotions

Last season, Kochetkov posted his lowest NHL save percentage — 89.8%. He admitted the season was a mixed bag.

“Stats matter — in the NHL, they pay you based on numbers. But honestly, I haven’t fully processed the season yet. It was up and down. Overall, I played okay, except for the last 8–10 games. In the final month, I started letting in three or more goals a game, and that dragged down my numbers. I know what external factors played a role, but I also made mistakes. I’ll take time to reflect, learn, and move forward.”

Kochetkov has a reputation as an emotional goaltender. In his rookie season, he famously got into a verbal spat with Brad Marchand (then with Boston), pushed him in front of the referee, and got slashed in response.

“In the playoffs, everyone plays with more edge — everything’s doubled,” he explained. “That was only my fourth NHL game. I was fired up, playing on dopamine, as they say. It was an emotional moment — I barely even remember it now. He slashed me, I responded, and that was it. I doubt he even remembers me. If Marchand remembered every fight he got into, he probably wouldn’t be where he is now.”

About his emotional style, Kochetkov is self-aware:

“I’m very locked into the game, and sometimes that works against me. It’s fine for one game or a short stretch, but over a long season it can lead to burnout. I’ve changed — I try to play calmer now. No more major conflicts this season. I think I’m improving. I don’t want to lose that part of me completely, but I want to play smarter, more balanced, over the long haul.”

Biohacking, Nutrition, and Brent Burns’ Secrets

Kochetkov focuses a lot on both mental and physical preparation. He’s been working with a nutritionist since he was 21 and takes his health seriously.

“Nowadays everyone’s talking about biohacking — it’s trendy. But I’ve been doing it for a while. Everyone gets into it at their own level. Supplements, recovery routines — I’ve been working on all that for years. In the U.S., it’s a big industry. People here, especially older ones, really care about staying healthy.”

He called teammate William Carrier a true biohacker:

“He doesn’t do anything extreme, but he tracks everything — calories, heart rate, especially during workouts like cycling. His diet is super clean. After games, he’s still eating salads and clean food. I haven’t seen many players eat that strictly. His body fat percentage is unreal — probably under 10%. I always joke that he could step on a bodybuilding stage and win. Visually, he has no fat at all.”

Kochetkov also praised veteran Brent Burns:

“Burns is great. Maybe not a full-on biohacker, but he takes care of recovery — always traveling with coffee gear, compression pants, and other tricks. He’s a pro, a real workhorse. And he’s got great genetics — to play like that at 40 is amazing.”

Learning from Andersen

Kochetkov says he’s learning a lot from his older and more experienced partner, Frederik Andersen.

“What interests me most about him is his calmness. He doesn’t overreact to anything. I’m the opposite sometimes — I can get too aggressive, too hungry to win or improve. But he’s always steady. Before practice, after, before games — same mindset. That helps. I’m not trying to be exactly like him, but I try to learn. It keeps you from wasting energy. He’s had a long and solid career. There’s a lot I can learn from that.”

He added that their relationship is good and friendly — and as his English improved, they’ve been able to connect more off the ice too.

In 2022, Kochetkov signed a four-year, $8 million contract extension with Carolina after just seven NHL games. Some critics said the deal undervalued his talent.

“If you constantly compare yourself to others, you end up less happy. I try not to think about it. Maybe it would’ve made more sense to sign for three years. But if I had done two, I’d be negotiating again this summer — and this wasn’t my best season. That would’ve meant more stress. Now, things are clear and stable, and I’m grateful for that.”

He has a practical outlook on what’s next:

“I have a contract, so there’s no point looking back or overthinking. Of course, I’m thinking about my next deal — I have my own expectations. But I don’t obsess. The most important thing is to enjoy hockey, stay healthy, and build your life. Money matters — especially these days with inflation and everything going on — but there are other things that are just as important.”

When asked if he’s aiming for something like Igor Shesterkin’s $11 million contract, Kochetkov laughed:

“Not with the way I played this season — no chance! (laughs) Hopefully, things will improve. I don’t want to set targets for myself. I just need to play better. If you play well, the money will come, right?”

<p>Daria went to St. Petersburg State University and earned a bachelor of international journalism. Working as a sports journalist from 2014, from 2016 as a hockey journalist. Covered 5 World Championships, 2022 Winter Olympics, 2020 World Juniors, 6 Gagarin Cup Finals.&nbsp;</p><p>Owner of a telegram channel Coolest Game on Earth.</p><p>Integrative nutritionist specializing on sports nutritionology.</p>
Interests:
NHL
Nutrition
Interviews

More RG Exclusive Interviews

Hockey
07/09/2025
James Murphy
James Murphy
Source: Leafs Among Multiple Teams Interested In Erik Karlsson

According to an NHL source, one defenseman on the Maple Leafs’ trade radar is Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson.

Source: Leafs Among Multiple Teams Interested In Erik Karlsson
Hockey
07/08/2025
James Murphy
James Murphy
Source: Devils Listening to Dougie Hamilton Calls But Not Shopping Yet

The Maple Leafs, Stars, Red Wings, and Mammoth are all believed to have looked into Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, but no trade is imminent.

Source: Devils Listening to Dougie Hamilton Calls But Not Shopping Yet
Hockey
07/07/2025
Marco D'Amico
Marco D'Amico
“The Habs Are Far From Done” — Canadiens Still Looking For Top-6 Help, Kuznetsov, Price

Canadiens eye Kyrou, Kuznetsov & salary moves after Dobson deal; balancing scoring needs with cap constraints and long-term plans.

“The Habs Are Far From Done” — Canadiens Still Looking For Top-6 Help, Kuznetsov, Price
Hockey
07/05/2025
Sergey Demidov
Sergey Demidov
Kovalchuk: “If McDavid Leaves, It’s Gretzky All Over Again”

Ilya Kovalchuk weighs in on McDavid’s contract future, Ivan Demidov’s NHL arrival, and the potential return of pro hockey to Atlanta.

Kovalchuk: “If McDavid Leaves, It’s Gretzky All Over Again”
Prev
...
Next

Hockey Writers

James Murphy
James Murphy
NHL Reporter

With 24 years of experience (SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, ESPN Boston, NESN, NHL.com, etc.) covering the Bruins, the NHL, NCAA and junior hockey, and more, Jimmy Murphy’s hockey black book is filled with Hall of Famers, current players, coaches, management, scouts and a wide array of hockey media personalities that have lived in and around this great game. For 22 of his 24 years as a hockey and sports reporter, Murphy covered the Bruins on a daily basis, including their victorious 2011 Stanley Cup run and their runs to the 2013 and 2019 Finals. Murphy is currently a co-host, along with Pierre McGuire, on The Eye Test Podcast.

Meet All Our Experts
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read our
Privacy Policy
.