It appears the Carolina Hurricanes will go with Brandon Bussi in net for Thursday’s Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights.
The 27-year-old, who helped Carolina even the best-of-seven series at two games apiece with a Game 4 win, was in the starter’s net during the morning skate in Raleigh on Thursday morning.
Pyotr Kochetkov was the other goaltender taking part in the morning skate while Frederik Andersen, who has started 16 games in the playoffs for the ‘Canes this spring, was absent, but skated before the main group, according to head coach Rod Brind’Amour.
Brind’Amour did not confirm a starter for Game 5, but revealed everybody would be available.
Bussi relieved Andersen in Game 3 after the 36-year-old allowed four goals on 16 shots over the first two periods. Bussi didn’t allow a goal in the third period as the Hurricanes scored four times to send the game to overtime, where they lost 5-4.
The American allowed three goals on 21 shots in Tuesday’s 5-3 victory in Game 4.
Bussi put together an excellent rookie season for Carolina in 2025-26, posting a 31-6-2 record with a 2.47 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage alongside a pair of shutouts.
Andersen started 35 games during the regular season for the Hurricanes, posting a 16-14-5 record with a 3.05 goals-against average and a .874 save percentage.
The native of Denmark turned up his play in the postseason and was in the running for the Conn Smythe Trophy before his struggles in the Stanley Cup Final. He has a 13-2 record with a 1.89 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage with three shutouts over 16 games in the playoffs.
Kochetkov, 26, played nine games for the Hurricanes in 2025-26 and has yet to appear in a playoff game during their run.
Carolina will look to take a 3-2 series lead at home on Thursday before travelling back to Las Vegas for Sunday’s Game 6.
Game 7, if necessary, would take place in Raleigh on Wednesday.
