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 (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.
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?”
