Hurricanes’ Coach Rod Brind’Amour Doesn’t Rule Out Frederik Andersen Starting Game 6 The Carolina Hurricanes, for the first time in two decades, have reached the Stanley Cup Final, holding a 3-2 series lead over the Vegas Golden Knights. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour hinted that Frederik Andersen, the team’s starting goaltender, could return to the net for Game 6 of the series, which is set for Sunday at 8:00 p.m. ET. Despite a mid-series switch to backup goaltender Brandon Bussi, the Hurricanes have rebounded to take control of the matchup. The pivotal change occurred midway through Game 3, when Brind’Amour replaced Andersen with Bussi after the Hurricanes trailed 2-1 in the second period. The decision paid off as Bussi led the team to consecutive victories, including a 4-3 overtime win in Game 5. However, Brind’Amour acknowledged that Andersen’s return remains a possibility, emphasizing the team’s flexibility in its goaltending options. “Maybe. We will just kind of see,” Brind’Amour said in a statement to NHL.com. “I know he’s available. Whether we decide to have him serve as backup or keep it the same or play him, we’re going to make that decision. It’s nice to have everyone available.” Bussi, who hadn’t played since mid-April, faced immediate pressure to adapt to the high-stakes environment of the Stanley Cup Final. Brind’Amour praised Bussi’s preparation, noting that the goaltender’s readiness to step in was a key factor in the Hurricanes’ turnaround. “It might be easier for a goalie sometimes,” Brind’Amour explained. “For a skater, the timing and getting up and down the ice, there’s a million things going on, but a goalie has just got to stop the puck. If you put in the work like he has—he’s been keeping himself ready—it might not be that big of an adjustment.#stanley_cup_final #carolina_hurricanes #frederik_andersen #brandon_bussi #rod_brindamour
Projected Lineup: SCF, Game 6 vs. Vegas | Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes will have "everyone available" as they prepare for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights, with the team returning to hostile territory in Las Vegas. Coach Rod Brind'Amour confirmed that the Hurricanes will maintain their full complement of goaltenders, with Brandon Bussi expected to start after posting consecutive wins in the playoffs. Bussi, who made his Stanley Cup Playoff debut in Game 5, has been the primary netminder since taking over the role traditionally held by the starting goaltender. Frederik Andersen, however, remains an option after being listed as a scratch since Game 3 due to a strategy aimed at providing mental and physical rest. Brind'Amour indicated that Andersen's availability for Game 6 will depend on the team's decision, though he emphasized that the veteran is ready if needed. The Hurricanes will rely on the same offensive lines and pairings that contributed to their Game 5 victory at home. Captain Jordan Staal, who is poised to become the first player in Stanley Cup Final history to score in each of the first six games, will lead the team's power play efforts. Staal's role in initiating power plays will be critical, as he will start most faceoffs. If he wins the initial faceoff, he will remain on the ice, with Nikolaj Ehlers joining him on the first unit. If the second unit faceoff is won, Mark Jankowski will step in when Staal exits. This setup highlights the team's strategic approach to capitalizing on power-play opportunities.#carolina_hurricanes #frederik_andersen #vegas_golden_knights #jordan_staal #rod_brindamour
