Hurricanes Defeat Golden Knights 5-3 to Tie Stanley Cup Final as Bussi Makes First Postseason Start

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 5-3 in Game 4 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday night, tying the series at 2-2. The Hurricanes made a goaltending change before the game, scratching Frederik Andersen and starting Brandon Bussi for the first time in his NHL postseason career. Pyotr Kochetkov served as the backup.

Bussi stopped 18 of 21 shots. The Golden Knights hosted the contest. Andersen had started every game for Carolina in the 2026 playoffs before Game 4. 910 save percentage and allowed 32 goals in 13 appearances.

The team scored at least three goals in all but two of its playoff games. Andersen was pulled after two periods of Game 3 after allowing four goals on 16 shots. Bussi entered in relief and made 18 saves before allowing the game-losing goal in double overtime.

Carolina had rallied from a 4-0 deficit in that game. Rod Brind’Amour said on Sunday that lineup decisions would come after Monday’s practice. “We’ll make all the decisions after we practice tomorrow,” he said.

“We’ll see how he’s feeling. ” Brind’Amour also defended Andersen’s play. “You obviously don’t want to give up some of the chances we’ve given up, but overall I thought [Andersen’s] been fine,” he said.

“You ask him to make the saves that he’s got to make, and I think he’s done that. A couple of bad bounces, they are what they are. 947 save percentage. 20 goals against per game.

After Game 3, Bussi said he had prepared for the opportunity. ” he said. “Just put my head down and have fun with it. It’s been a fun ride. We’re here for a reason. I’ve practiced hard in case something happened.