Kochetkov is one win shy of tying Frederik Andersen in 2021-22 for the Hurricanes record for most consecutive wins to begin a season. It was his first shutout of the season.
Sean Walker and Jesperi Kotkaniemi scored goals 20 seconds apart early in the second period, and Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho each had two assists for the Hurricanes (9-2-2), who ended a season-long five-game road trip 3-1-1.
Joel Hofer made 35 saves for the Blues (5-5-1), who had won two straight to open a five-game homestand.
Walker made it 1-0 at 4:45 of the second period on a delayed penalty when he fired in a one-timer from the slot off a pass from Jason Blake, who was tripped initially by Blues defenseman Cam Fowler that drew the penalty.
Kotkaniemi made it 2-0 at 5:05 after the Hurricanes came out with the puck in the left corner and he and Jordan Martinook worked a give-and-go to the slot for the quick finish inside the right post.
Logan Stankoven’s fourth goal in three games made it 3-0 at 13:35, a breakaway sprung by Jarvis from the defensive zone and ensuing snap shot to the short side past Hofer.
Nikolaj Ehlers made it 4-0 with a power-play goal at 4:30 of the third period after a loose puck from the slot was picked up by Aho, who fed Ehlers in the left circle with an empty side of the net to score.
