Carolina Hurricanes expected to start Brandon Bussi in Stanley Cup Game 5
Rookie goaltender Brandon Bussi is expected to start for the Carolina Hurricanes against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final following a crucial victory in his previous outing.
The 27-year-old occupied the starter’s crease during the team’s morning skate in Raleigh.
He was also the first netminder to leave the ice, heavily indicating he will retain his place for a second consecutive match.
Head coach Rod Brind’Amour declined to officially confirm his lineup, though the championship series is currently finely poised at 2-2.
Rookie steps up on the grandest stage
The native of New York was a surprise inclusion in Game 4, stepping in to make 18 saves during Carolina’s vital 5-3 triumph.
Prior to that pivotal victory, he had successfully relieved veteran Frederik Andersen during the third period of Game 3, despite the franchise ultimately suffering a double-overtime defeat.
The rookie standout boasted an impressive 31-6-2 record during the regular season, earning the deep trust of his teammates.
“He’s just confident in his ability to be a good goalie,” said Hurricanes forward Jordan Martinook.
“Obviously, the confidence he gained throughout the regular season, knowing that he can win and win often, it definitely helps.”
Andersen’s struggles prompt rotation
The 36-year-old Andersen had started 16 consecutive playoff games before being made a healthy scratch earlier in the week.
The veteran stopper has endured a sharp decline in form against Vegas, conceding 12 goals on 65 shots for an .815 save percentage in the Final.
Brind’Amour revealed that giving his primary netminder a complete rest was a deliberate tactical decision aimed at providing a necessary physical and mental reset.
“If you’re going to give him a break, you need to give him a break,” Brind’Amour explained.
“So to me, him dressing and going through all that is just not really giving him a night off.”
Andersen participated in an early individual skate on Thursday, but it remains unclear whether he or Pyotr Kochetkov will serve as the backup for the crucial fifth game.