Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov made some hilarious comments about his participation in the scrum after the game against the Florida Panthers on Thursday night.
“I don't want to fight. I just want to be in control. Panthers, six boys.'' According to Hurricanes team reporter Walt Ruff, Kochetkoff said after the game, “My team, five boys…this guy. They will not touch my people,'' he said.
TORONTO, CANADA – MARCH 17: Carolina Hurricanes #52 Pyotr Kochetkov plays against the Toronto Maple Leafs in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on March 17, 2023. Warm up before doing so. (Photo by Klaus Andersen/Getty Images)
It's a cheerful remark that is typical of Russia.
Regarding Kochetkov’s participation in the post-match scrum –
“I don't want to fight, I just want to be in control. Panthers, six boys. My team, five boys… They don't touch my guys.” pic.twitter.com/0vhqP4SnJ3
— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) February 23, 2024
Kochetkov snaked his way into a scuffle that erupted just after time expired in the Canes' 1-0 win over the Panthers.
Kochetkov was dragged to the ice by the referee who tried to move the goaltender away from the skirmish, causing him to fall to the ground.
RALEIGH, NC – DECEMBER 19: Pyotr Kochetkov #52 of the Carolina Hurricanes gets in the face during the third period of a game against the Las Vegas Golden Knights at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina on December 19, 2023. Spray with water. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Goalkeepers usually avoid such scuffles, but Kochetkov, who made a historic 44 saves, was clearly feeling himself and decided to jump in.
Pyotr Kochetkov (44 saves) became the sixth goaltender in franchise history and third all-time. @Canes Recorded 40 saves and shutout in team history.#NHLStats: https://t.co/TdKwmCk2gf pic.twitter.com/x9F4LSJhfP
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 23, 2024
Kochetkov's teammates no doubt appreciate him having their back, but if I were the Hurricanes coach, I would definitely grit my teeth to see him take the plunge. The Canes currently sit in second place in the Metropolitan Division and are poised to clinch a playoff berth if they win. they can hold out.
RALEIGH, NC – FEBRUARY 8: Pyotr Kochetkov, No. 52 of the Carolina Hurricanes, watches the first period of a game against the Colorado Avalanche at PNC Arena on February 8, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Kochetkov is a big factor in that success and we can't afford to lose him over something as stupid as a fight. (Related article: Salty radio host slams 'fat' fans of losing rival NHL team)
Since Dec. 12, the 24-year-old Russian goalie has been resurgent, leading the league in goals and in the top three in save percentage, Ruff said.
Pyotr Kochetkov Since December 12th (+NHL rank during that period, played in at least 15 games) –
11-3-2
1.90GAA (1st place)
.932 SV% (3rd place)
.878 High Danger SV% (2nd)
2 shutouts (T-5th place)
4 PIM (T-1st) pic.twitter.com/GiFPdacFd4— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) February 23, 2024
