Hurricanes Even Stanley Cup Final at 2-2 With 5-3 Win in Game 4
Carolina defeated Vegas 5-3 on Tuesday night behind two goals from Jordan Staal and a first playoff start win for goaltender Brandon Bussi. The result ties the best-of-seven series at two games apiece ahead of Game 5 in Carolina on Thursday.
ESPNThe Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 5-3 in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday night, evening the series at two games each. Jordan Staal scored twice for Carolina while the team received 18 saves from Brandon Bussi in his first playoff start.
Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour chose Bussi over Frederik Andersen, who had started the previous 16 playoff games. Andersen was a healthy scratch after being pulled in the third period of Game 3. Bussi, 27, an undrafted rookie claimed on waivers last October, stopped 18 of 21 shots faced. "To come in and do what he did is very special," Carolina right wing Jackson Blake said.
The Hurricanes built a lead behind Staal's two goals and held off a late Vegas push. Bussi's performance helped Carolina secure the victory on the road. Brind'Amour said he spoke briefly with his goaltending coach before the game and decided Andersen could use rest.
" Bussi was asked after the game. "The next win's always the best one. So, that's all I'll say for that," Bussi said.
The series now shifts to Carolina for Game 5 on Thursday.
Bussi said the team would enjoy the win but focus on the next game the following morning. Andersen's save percentage has declined in recent rounds after posting strong numbers earlier in the playoffs.
