PITTSBURGH, PA. - Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov is likely to make his 15th start of the season on Thursday as the Carolina Hurricanes take on the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 24-year-old goalie has been in exceptional form since December 12, earning him the opportunity to start his third consecutive game.

Kochetkov has displayed impressive goaltending skills, boasting a remarkable save percentage (SV%) of .946 in his last four games. In three of those outings, he allowed just one goal, establishing himself as a reliable force in net.

Among the nine NHL goalies who have played four or more games during that period, Kochetkov's SV% of .946 trails only Joey Daccord of the Seattle team, who holds a .948 SV%.

In his budding career, Kochetkov has faced the Penguins twice and emerged victorious both times. With a 2-0 record against Pittsburgh, he has maintained an impressive goals-against average of 1.96 and a save percentage of .930.

Aside from Kochetkov's expected start, no changes are anticipated to the Hurricanes' skater lineup. Carolina enters the game riding high after an emphatic win over the Vegas Golden Knights, during which they matched their season-high of six goals.

The Hurricanes' power play, now ranked 9th in the NHL, was in top form as they converted all three opportunities against the Golden Knights, pushing their season success rate to an impressive 23.9%. Leading the charge on the man advantage was Sebastian Aho, who recorded three assists. Aho has been a standout performer for the team, tallying a total of eight points in the last five games.

As the Hurricanes gear up to face the Penguins, all eyes will be on Kochetkov and the team's potent power play unit. With their recent success and Kochetkov's stellar performances, Carolina will be aiming to secure another important victory on Thursday.

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