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Bussi Wins First Final Start, Ties Series 2-2

6/10/2026

23 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Brandon Bussi earned his playoff start and win, tying series 2-2 with a 5-3 victory over Vegas Golden Knights on June 9, 2026 in Las Vegas.
Coach Rod Brind’Amour, after scratching Frederik Andersen and naming Pyotr Kochetkov backup, saw Bussi stop 18 of 21 shots, including six of seven attempts (.909).
Acquired off waivers in October 2025, Bussi became the third expansion-era goalie to win his first playoff start in a Stanley Cup Final.

History

Historical Context

In June 2006, rookie Cam Ward became the first rookie goaltender since Patrick Roy to win a Stanley Cup Final, delivering North Carolina’s first major-league championship. The Hurricanes entered the playoffs as the Eastern Conference’s second seed with 112 points, and the series was the first Finals since the 2004-05 lockout, featuring two former WHA clubs that had missed the previous season’s playoffs.

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Story summary

Brandon Bussi earned his playoff start and win, tying series 2-2 with a 5-3 victory over Vegas Golden Knights on June 9, 2026 in Las Vegas.
Coach Rod Brind’Amour, after scratching Frederik Andersen and naming Pyotr Kochetkov backup, saw Bussi stop 18 of 21 shots, including six of seven attempts (.909).
Acquired off waivers in October 2025, Bussi became the third expansion-era goalie to win his first playoff start in a Stanley Cup Final.

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