Hurricanes’ Brandon Bussi breakout is a shock to everyone except Rod Brind’Amour

The Carolina Hurricanes are close to hockey’s ultimate prize following their win on Thursday night. Carolina has won Game 5 over the Vegas Golden Knights, thanks in part to another strong performance from Brandon Bussi in goal. Bussi has shocked the hockey world with his performance in this Stanley Cup Final, but head coach Rod Brind’Amour is far from surprised.

“All year, he’s been like that. Just look at every start he’s had. We came into the playoffs thinking we would use both guys. We didn’t need to, because (Frederik Andersen) was going so well. Now, we needed him, and he’s stepped in and has played great,” the Hurricanes head coach said in an interview with TVA Sports.

Bussi had a dominant run in the regular season as the Hurricanes clinched the top spot in the Eastern Conference. However, as Brind’Amour alluded to, Frederik Andersen took over the net and was dialed in throughout the playoffs. Bussi replaced Andersen after a less-than-ideal showing in Game 3, and has held the net ever since.

The Hurricanes have helped Bussi in a big way, as well. Carolina has outscored the Golden Knights 10-6 since the rookie netminder stepped into the crease. His best showing was Game 5, as he stopped 23 shots while making clutch saves during a wave of pressure in the third period.

Whether Bussi gets the nod in Game 6 remains to be seen. It’s certainly likely the Hurricanes ride the hot hand. However, they could find value in the more experienced Andersen during a potential Stanley Cup-clinching game. The Hurricanes can win the Stanley Cup on Sunday night in Las Vegas with a win in Game 6.

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