Kochetkov stopped 31 shots Tuesday in the Hurricanes' 5-4 double-overtime win over the Devils in Game 5 of their first-round series.

EDGE Analysis

Making his first start of the playoffs in place of Frederik Andersen (undisclosed), Kochetkov watched New Jersey grab a 3-0 lead before the halfway mark of the first period on two deflected goals and a third that came after a giveaway at the Carolina blue line. The 25-year-old netminder didn't lose his focus though, and he stood tall as the 'Canes dominated the game beginning in the third period. The win advances Carolina to the second round, but with Andersen's status uncertain, Kochetkov may return to the bench when the team resumes play against either Washington or Montreal.

Kochetkov is expected to patrol the home crease against New Jersey on Tuesday in Game 5, Chip Alexander of The Raleigh News & Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kochetkov stopped 14 of 15 shots he faced in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Devils after Frederik Andersen (undisclosed) left Game 4 due to an injury. With Andersen unavailable for Tuesday's matchup, Spencer Martin will be Kochetkov's backup versus New Jersey. The 25-year-old Kochetkov posted a 27-16-3 record with two shutouts, a 2.60 GAA and an .897 save percentage across 47 regular-season appearances in 2024-25.

Kochetkov made 14 saves on 15 shots after coming on in relief for Frederik Andersen (undisclosed) in the second period of Sunday's 5-2 win over New Jersey in Game 4.

EDGE Analysis

Kochetkov allowed a goal to Timo Meier shortly after replacing Andersen, but the Hurricanes took control the rest of the way and beat Jacob Markstrom twice in the final frame. Kochetkov was not credited with the victory in this contest, but he may have a chance to clinch the series win in Game 5 on Tuesday if Andersen is unavailable. Over seven career postseason appearances, the 25-year-old Kochetkov has a 1-4 record, .870 save percentage and 3.73 GAA.

Kochetkov stopped 17 of 20 shots in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Canadiens, with Montreal's final goal getting scored into an empty net.

EDGE Analysis

With nothing on the line in their second-last game of the regular season, the Hurricanes rested a number of skaters and didn't provide Kochetkov with his usual support. It's the 25-year-old netminder's third loss in his last four starts, and over his last seven outings he's stumbled to a 3.91 GAA and .832 save percentage. Frederik Andersen has been marginally better during that stretch (2.80 GAA, .885 save percentage in his last six starts), but it's not yet clear which goalie Carolina will have between the pipes when the team kicks off its playoff run against New Jersey.

Kochetkov is expected to start on the road against Montreal on Wednesday, per Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.

EDGE Analysis

Kochetkov has surrendered at least three goals in each of his past six appearances, going 2-4-0 with a 4.06 GAA and an .830 save percentage over that stretch. He's 27-15-3 with a 2.59 GAA and an .897 save percentage in 46 outings this season. The Canadiens, who will be looking to earn at least one point Wednesday to secure their postseason berth, rank 17th in goals per game with 2.95.

Kochetkov made 28 saves in Saturday's 7-3 win over the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

The Hurricanes took their foot off the gas in the third period after building a 5-1 lead, but Kochetkov made sure the visitors never got too close. The 25-year-old is still having a sluggish end to the regular season, allowing at least three goals in six straight starts since a shutout win over the Flyers on March 15. Over that stretch, he's gone 2-4-0 with a 4.06 GAA and .830 save percentage.

Kochetkov is expected to protect the home net against the Rangers on Saturday, according to Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site.

EDGE Analysis

Kochetkov has one win in his last five outings (1-4-0), allowing 21 goals on 110 shots. He has a 26-15-3 record with two shutouts, a 2.58 GAA and an .897 save percentage across 45 appearances this season. The Rangers sit 12th in the league with 3.08 goals per game in 2024-25.

Kochetkov made 15 saves in Tuesday's 3-0 loss to the Sabres.

EDGE Analysis

After a scoreless first period, Tage Thompson ripped a puck past Kochetkov just 92 seconds into the second frame, and it was all the support James Reimer would need in the other crease. Kochetkov is stumbling toward the finish line on the regular season, going 1-4-0 over his last five starts with a 4.28 GAA and .809 save percentage, which may put Frederik Andersen in the driver's seat to be the Hurricanes' No. 1 goalie in the playoffs.

Kochetkov is slated to tend the road twine Tuesday against the Sabres, per Heather Engel of NHL.com.

EDGE Analysis

Kochetkov has faltered of late, going 1-3-0 with a 4.61 GAA and an .804 save percentage over his last four starts, which comes on the heels of a five-game winning streak. It won't get any easier against a Buffalo team that has won four consecutive games and seven of its last eight. Kochetkov is 2-0-0 with a 2.00 GAA against the Sabres in his career.

Kochetkov stopped 16 of 20 shots in Friday's 5-3 loss to the Red Wings. The fifth goal was an empty-netter.

EDGE Analysis

Kochetkov has allowed 18 goals across his last four games, going 1-3-0 in that span. Just one of the team's he's faced in that span is currently in a playoff spot, so this is not a good look for Kochetkov. His defeat Friday sent him to 26-14-3 with a 2.57 GAA and an .898 save percentage over 44 starts this season. The Hurricanes will likely turn to Frederik Andersen for Saturday's game in Boston, while Kochetkov's next turn in the goalie rotation would be Tuesday in Buffalo.