Brandon Bussi Hinted for Hurricanes' Game 5 Start After 18-Save Win in Game 4

Q: Is Carolina's goaltending gamble on an undrafted rookie a stroke of genius or a championship-ending mistake?

Right now, it looks more like a justified gamble than a championship-ending mistake. Carolina did not turn to Brandon Bussi out of novelty; it did so because Frederik Andersen’s play had slipped at the worst time. Andersen was pulled in Game 3 after allowing four goals, and his numbers in the Final had fallen sharply. Bussi then stabilized the position in relief and followed that with a Game 4 win, stopping 18 of 21 shots to tie the series 2-2. In a Final that is now effectively a best-of-three, that matters more than pedigree. The broader evidence supports the move. Bussi was undrafted, but he was not unproven over the full season. He went 31-6-2 with a 2.47 goals-against average and an .895 save percentage, better than Andersen’s 3.05 GAA and .874 save percentage. Carolina’s staff also appears to trust his temperament; teammates have described him as calm under pressure, and Brind’Amour’s actions at practice strongly suggest he sees Bussi as the best option for Game 5. There is still real risk. Bussi’s post-Olympic dip and limited playoff experience mean one strong start does not guarantee he can carry a Cup Final. Vegas remains deeper offensively and has the steadier goaltending edge with Carter Hart. But based on the evidence available now, Carolina is not making a reckless bet on a feel-good story. It is riding the goalie who has recently given it the better chance to win.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 11

Brandon Bussi appeared to get the starter's net in Carolina's practice, the clearest sign yet he will open Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final in Raleigh.
Rod Brind'Amour still declined to name a goalie, saying Frederik Andersen had skated before the main group and that "everybody's available."
Bussi made his first career postseason start in Game 4 and stopped 18 of 21 shots as the Hurricanes beat Vegas to tie the series 2-2.
Carolina had already turned to Bussi after Andersen started every previous playoff game, and the switch now looks likely to continue with home ice back for Game 5.