Hurricanes goalie Bussi likely starter for Game 5
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- Brandon Bussi is the likely starter for Game 5 after taking the starter's crease at Thursday's morning skate and being the first goalie off the ice, though Brind'Amour declined to officially announce the decision.
- Bussi replaced Frederik Andersen in the third period of Game 3, stopping 18 of 19 shots in a double-overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights — his first appearance since April 14.
- The 27-year-old rookie was the surprise Game 4 starter with Andersen a healthy scratch after starting the previous 16 playoff games; Bussi made 18 saves in a 5-3 win that evened the series at 2-2.
- Andersen's numbers have cratered against Vegas, posting an .815 save percentage and 4.44 goals-against average while allowing 12 goals on 65 shots in the Final.
- Brind'Amour said benching Andersen for Game 4 was meant to give the 36-year-old a reset, citing goalie coach Paul Schonfelder's recommendation that he needed rest.
- Bussi went 31-6-2 in 39 regular-season starts with a .895 save percentage and 2.47 GAA, and forward Jordan Martinook praised his 'calm confidence' in the net.
Why it matters: With a rookie now starting a Stanley Cup Final Game 5 for Carolina and a 16-game starter benched mid-series, the Hurricanes' goaltending identity is suddenly unsettled; Andersen's .815 save percentage against Vegas and Brind'Amour's refusal to clarify backup plans mean the crease could swing again depending on Bussi's Game 5 performance.
