Kochetkov Returns to Net After Injury Layoff

Pyotr Kochetkov is set to start in goal Sunday against the San Jose Sharks, marking his return after an eight-game absence due to a lower-body injury. Kochetkov boasts a 4-0-0 record this season with a 2.67 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage, having allowed only seven goals on 95 shots faced. The Hurricanes will rely on him as they face a Sharks team that ranks 25th in the league with 2.79 goals per game.