Pyotr Kochetkov improved his record to 7-0-0 with a 24 save shutout and the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night, 4-0. The Hurricanes now have a 9-2-2 record and their 20 points put them at first place in the league, (for now).
The Canes finished up their road trip with a 3-1-1 record and will return home for their next game Tuesday night.
After a scoreless first period, the visiting team broke through for three goals in the second.
Sean Walker got the party started four minutes and change into the period off of another sterling assist by Jackson Blake. Just 20 seconds later, Jordan Martinook found Jesperi Kotkaniemi and “KK” made no mistake to put his team up, 2-0.
Speaking of Kotkaniemi, he also had a team high 63% faceoff percentage, (10 of 16). His goal was the third of the season for him. He has been playing better and better since having more of a chance.
Kochetkov now has 12 shutouts in his career.
Later in the second period, Seth Jarvis found Logan Stankoven on a breakaway and Stankoven buried his 8th of the season.
In the third period, Carolina finished off the scoring when Nikolaj Ehlers knocked in a powerplay goal. It was the only powerplay chance of the night for the Hurricanes. They successfully killed the only opportunity that the Blues had with the advantage.
The Canes outshot the Blues in every period and finished up with 39-24 advantage.
The Hurricanes will take Sunday off before returning to practice on Monday.
Game Summary – https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20262027/GS020175.HTM
Event Summary – https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20262027/ES020175.HTM