Kochetkov sets Hurricanes record in 3-2 win over Blue Jackets

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov broke the franchise record for the longest season-opening winning streak on Thursday night. He stopped 24 shots to help his team defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 in Raleigh. The victory marked the fourth win for the defending Stanley Cup champions in their last five games. Kochetkov now holds a 9-0-0 record on the season.

The game started with a goal from Jordan Martinook. He beat Columbus goaltender Jet Greaves from the left circle to give Carolina a 1-0 lead with 4:09 remaining in the first period. Logan Stankoven extended the lead to 2-0 with 7:47 into the second period. The goal was his ninth of the season, a team-leading total. He has scored five goals in six home games this year.

Columbus pulled one goal back in the third period. Denton Mateychuk and Kent Johnson each found the net. Seth Jarvis assisted on two of Carolina's three goals. Mark Jankowski scored 16 seconds into the third period to put the Hurricanes up 3-2. The goal initially looked like extra insurance, but it ended up deciding the game. Greaves made 24 saves for the visitors.

The Blue Jackets play the Dallas Stars on Saturday night. The Hurricanes host the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday.