Scary Scene in Columbus: Hurricanes Goalie Pyotr Kochetkov Appears to Black Out on the Ice
Last night, the Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov had to leave the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets after seemingly blacking out on the ice.
With Frederik Andersen sidelined after undergoing knee surgery last Friday, the Carolina Hurricanes sent Pyotr Kochetkov between the pipes to face the Columbus Blue Jackets in a Metropolitan Division matchup on Saturday night.
Kotchetkov has been great for the Canes this season. He holds a 10-2-0 record, a 0.904 save percentage, and a 2.42 goals-against average after 13 games this season.
However, last night was a challenging evening for the 25-year-old Russian goalie. He allowed four goals to the Blue Jackets, making 27 saves on 31 shots fired toward his net.
Unfortunately, the goalie had to leave the game in overtime after a scary injury.
In an attempt to defend his zone, defenseman Sean Walker accidentally collided with Kochetkov's head at great speed.
Kochetkov remained motionless on the ice for a while before being assisted by the medical unit and leaving the game.
Watch the following video to see how it all happened:
Backup goalie Spencer Martin, who signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Canes this summer, came in for the overtime period and the shootouts.
He couldn't beat the Blue Jackets, who ended up winning 5-4 in shootouts.
A long-term absence for Kochetkov could hurt the Hurricanes, who are battling against the New Jersey Devils, the Washington Capitals, and the New York Rangers for the top spot in the division.
Meanwhile, the team is preparing for a tough stretch, set to face the Dallas Stars, New York Rangers, and Florida Panthers (twice) in the next week.
Spencer Martin should see some action, and the Canes are expected to call up Dustin Tokarski from the Chicago Wolves in the AHL to help the team during Andersen and Kochetkov's recoveries.
The Hurricanes General Manager Eric Tulsky could also decide to work the phones
and see what his options are on the market to bolster his goaltending unit.
With rumors of Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson wiling to waive his no-trade clause, fans sure hope to see Tulsky getting in on that action.
