Long before Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour said the fans would have to wait until game time for his goalie decision. When the warm-ups commenced on Tuesday night in Las Vegas, his change was confirmed. The Hurricanes are going with Brandon Bussi for Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final over Frederik Andersen in goal.
“Brandon Bussi leads the Hurricanes out for [warm-ups] before Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. Pyotr Kochetkov is Carolina’s other goalie in uniform. Frederik Andersen isn’t on the ice,” TSN’s Chris Johnston reported.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman then reported that Andersen was also not listed on the injury report. The Hurricanes scratched their starting goalie for Game 4.
The Hurricanes went 12-1 in the Eastern Conference playoffs, all with Andersen in net. Even after the disastrous four-goal performance in Game 3 of the Final, Andersen’s playoff numbers are sensational. He has a 1.89 goals-against average, a .910 save percentage, and three shutouts.
Bussi was the unexpected hero of the Hurricanes’ season, picking up 31 wins in 39 starts as a first-year player. A waiver claim from the Florida Panthers, Bussi was sensational for the Canes on their run to a Metropolitan Division championship. Now, he looks to lift them one win closer to a Stanley Cup title.
The Hurricanes could go back to Andersen for Game 5, but there does appear to be an injury situation brewing. Andersen did not participate in practice on Monday and was a limited participant in the morning skate. While he does not have an injury designation, that is not uncommon for this time of year. Andersen’s health could determine the immediate future of the Hurricanes’ goaltending position.
The Hurricanes are down 2-1 in the Stanley Cup Final and are now relying on Bussi to get them a key win. Can they tie up the series?
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