“You’ll see when we get out there,” Brind’Amour answered, as reported by Pat Welter on X, on who will be the starting goaltender for the Canes in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. As reported by Elliotte Friedman, Bussi will be in net whereas Andersen won’t even be serving as backup. Instead, Pyotr Kochetkov will be the second-string netminder in Game 4.

After posting the best numbers of any NHL goaltender throughout the 2026 postseason, Andersen has been exposed on several occasions by the Golden Knights. Game 3 was no different, and with rookie Bussi playing lights out, the decision has been made—one that could determine the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup hopes. Falling behind 3-1 in the series could very well be all she wrote for Carolina.

Is Andersen injured?

Although Brind’Amour and the Hurricanes have not reported anything of the sort, there might be reason for concern regarding Andersen’s health. During Game 3, Andersen was hit in the head by Vegas forward Ivan Barbashev on a goal that was taken off the board after Carolina challenged.

The concussion spotter didn’t intervene, but Andersen went on to allow four goals before being pulled from the game. Perhaps it was a combination of health and performance concerns.

The fact Andersen won’t dress for Game 4 brings everyone’s attention back to that crease-crashing play on Saturday. Perhaps a head injury slipped under the league’s radar, and the Hurricanes are now dealing with the aftermath. However, Friedman reports that Andersen is listed as a scratch rather than on the injured report. And it’s been a common sight for Andersen to be out of the lineup entirely in games he doesn’t start.

Andersen’s numbers

Through 16 games in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Andersen has been sensational, posting a 1.89 goals-against average (GAA) and a .910 save percentage (SV%). However, those marvelous numbers hide an ugly truth.

Andersen’s stats are being carried by his superb form in the first three rounds. Since the Stanley Cup Final began, Vegas has had his number. Through the first three games of the championship series, Andersen posted an .806 SV% while allowing an average of four goals per game.

Bussi was the X-Factor in Game 3

In Game 3, Andersen was pulled after conceding four goals, and had it not been for an offside call and a goaltender-interference ruling, he could have allowed six. When Bussi entered the game, the story was much different for the Hurricanes. He stopped 18 shots, including a penalty shot from Mitch Marner, and was only beaten by a fluky own goal.

In his first career playoff appearance, Bussi proved the bright lights didn’t faze him, and his teammates fed off his confidence to mount a four-goal comeback. Although it ultimately wasn’t enough for Carolina, something clicked, and the Hurricanes went from looking hopeless to electric with Bussi between the pipes.

Bussi’s stats

The undrafted 27-year-old rookie was one of the biggest storylines of the 2025-26 NHL campaign. He was Carolina’s leading goaltender throughout the regular season, posting a 31-6-2 record in 39 appearances while recording an .895 save percentage and a 2.47 GAA.

However, Bussi was benched in the postseason in favor of the playoff-experienced Andersen, which initially proved to be the right call. Andersen’s form, though, is clearly waning, and Carolina believes it’s time to roll the dice with a bold call.

That’s the situation Brind’Amour faced, who was torn between riding the hot hand in Game 4—even if it means throwing the veteran netminder under the bus—or sticking with the 36-year-old, who still has something to prove in his pursuit of a first Stanley Cup. Now, there is no turning back. Carolina’s season is on the line, and it’s all in Bussi’s right glove and left blocker.

Svechnikov didn’t sugarcoat the disappointment in the postgame press conference. “It’s probably the toughest game I’ve ever lost,” he admitted. The physical winger was a workhorse for the Canes, finishing second on the team in ice time with 25:49, and his third-period goal came off clinical assists from Staal and Sebastian Aho.

Game 3 started as a tight defensive battle, with the first period ending in a scoreless tie. However, things spiraled out of control for Carolina in the second period, as they surrendered four goals to a relentless Vegas Golden Knights offense. The loss places the Hurricanes in a 2-1 hole in the Stanley Cup Final series.

Staal says the Canes have a steeper hill to climb

After a tough loss that was incredibly difficult to process, Staal also shared his thoughts, opting for a resilient, look-forward mentality. “It’s part of the gig. It’s never easy. It’s never going to be easy, and we know that,” the veteran captain declared after finishing the night with a goal and an assist.

Staal is well aware that the margin for error has shrunk drastically for the Hurricanes, who are desperate to level the series in Game 4 to avoid a dangerous 3-1 deficit. “We’ve got a bigger hill to climb now, but we’re excited for the challenge and excited to keep playing hard and keep moving forward,” he added.

Having split the first two matchups of the series, the Hurricanes missed a massive opportunity to take control on the road. Now, they must dig deep to secure a win in Game 4 to head back home with a tied series and recapture the momentum against a lethal Vegas squad.

When it comes to Canadian representation, Canada claims the majority of players in this final series. The Vegas Golden Knights feature the most Canadian-born talent, with 18 players on their roster. Captain Mark Stone serves as a prime example of that elite Canadian quality, having put up 28 regular-season goals this year.

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are fighting for the Cup with just 9 Canadian players on their roster. Among them, Logan Stankoven has been a key driver for the team during this postseason run, lighting the lamp 9 times in the playoffs.

List of Canadians in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final

Simply looking at roster counts doesn’t mean every player logs ice time during the finals. So far, only 10 Canadians have actually suited up for the Vegas Golden Knights during the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals, while the Hurricanes have utilized 8 of their 9 Canadian options.

The remaining Canadian players waiting in the wings will remain available if needed as the series progresses. This is standard NHL practice during the postseason; once the strict active roster limit lifts, teams can easily call up younger players or depth options to replace injured skaters.

Most of the Canadian talent in this final series brings heavy experience to the table, which explains why Vegas relies so heavily on them to get top-tier results. Winning the Cup with a heavy contingent of Canadians over any other nation will certainly draw plenty of attention in the post-series breakdowns.

The Grammy Award-winning duo will perform on Thursday, June 4, ahead of the matchup between the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights. The concert is scheduled to begin at 5:30 PM ET and will be held outdoors at the South Plaza.

The event is open to the public and does not require a game ticket for admission. With the Stanley Cup Final drawing national attention, the NHL has continued its tradition of pairing championship hockey with live entertainment.

How to watch Stanley Cup Final Game 2 pregame concert live

Fans can watch portions of Dan + Shay’s performance through the official Stanley Cup Final Game 2 broadcast on ABC in the United States.

The NHL announced that the Grammy Award-winning duo will headline a free pregame concert outside Lenovo Center in Raleigh before the Carolina Hurricanes face the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final.

The concert will take place on the South Plaza outside the arena and is open to the public at no cost. Unlike many championship-week events, fans do not need a game ticket to attend the performance.

The NHL and the Hurricanes have also confirmed that a watch party will follow the concert for those who remain outside the venue. For viewers at home in Canada, it will be available on Sportsnet, CBC and TVA Sports.

While the league has not announced a standalone stream dedicated exclusively to the concert, segments of the performance are expected to be included as part of the pregame coverage surrounding the Stanley Cup Final.

What time does Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final start?

Game 2 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final starts at 8:00 PM ET on Thursday, June 4. The matchup features the Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Vegas Golden Knights at Lenovo Center in Raleigh.

The game carries significant weight after Vegas secured a 5-4 victory in the series opener, stealing home-ice advantage and taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Carolina now faces the challenge of avoiding a two-game deficit.

Although fans were still settling into their seats at Lenovo Center when Ehlers beat Carter Hart on a low shot, the first goal of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final wasn’t the fastest in NHL history in a championship series. However, it’s among the fastest.

Boston Bruins’ John Byce still holds the record thanks to his goal in Game 3 of the 1990 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers. Byce scored just 10 seconds into the game. As impressive as Ehlers’ tally against Hart and the Golden Knights was, it still took more than twice as long as Byce’s goal in 1990, which established a record that remains intact 36 years later.

Previous record

Byce dethroned NHL legend Jean Beliveau, who scored 14 seconds into Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final in 1965. Beliveau’s record had stood for 25 years. Beliveau still holds the benchmark for the quickest goal in a true championship-clinching game.

Moreover, Beliveau and the Montreal Canadiens went on to win the Stanley Cup that year, whereas Byce and the Bruins fell to the Oilers in 1990. In more ways than one, Beliveau had the last laugh.

Where does Ehlers’ goal rank?

Following his goal in Game 1 against the Golden Knights, Ehlers is tied at 8th for the fastest goal in a Stanley Cup Final game. He joins Buddy O’Connor (Canadiens) and Gregg Sheppard (Bruins), who also scored 25 seconds into a title game in 1947 and 1978, respectively.

Ehlers’ goal was the fastest in a Stanley Cup Final game since 2006. That year, the Hurricanes were actually on the receiving end of an early tiebreaking goal, as Fernando Pisani scored at the same arena (then RBC Center, now Lenovo Center) just 16 seconds into Game 5.

Fastest goal in Game 1 of SCF

Though noteworthy, Ehlers couldn’t break the record for the fastest goal in a Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. That milestone still belongs to Sid Smith, who opened the scoring for the Toronto Maple Leafs back in 1951 just 15 seconds into the action.

Still, Ehlers’ goal is the third-fastest in Stanley Cup Final Game 1 history, trailing only Smith and Reggie Leach, who scored 21 seconds into Game 1 of the 1976 Stanley Cup Final for the Philadelphia Flyers.

As sweet as setting a record would’ve been, all the Hurricanes care about is hoisting Lord Stanley. Needless to say, early tone-setting goals could go a long way toward making sure that happens—regardless of whether they establish a benchmark or not.

For Hurricanes supporters, the voice leading that moment will be a familiar one. Adam Lee Decker, the longtime national anthem singer for home games, is expected to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” ahead of the opening faceoff.

As the Hurricanes look to capture their first championship since 2006 and the Golden Knights chase another title, the evening’s opening moments promise to be every bit as memorable as the action that follows.

Who is Adam Lee Decker?

Adam Lee Decker, expected to perform the United States national anthem, has become a familiar voice for Hurricanes fans over the years, regularly delivering “The Star-Spangled Banner” before home games at Lenovo Center.

Beyond his role with the NHL franchise, the North Carolina native is a professional singer and performer who has built a strong connection with the Raleigh sports community.

His energetic renditions have made him a recognizable figure during some of the most important moments in Hurricanes history, including multiple playoff appearances and the team’s return to the Stanley Cup Final in 2026.

How long has Adam Lee Decker been the Hurricanes’ national anthem singer?

Adam Lee Decker has been associated with the Hurricanes’ game-day experience for more than a decade. Throughout numerous regular-season games and playoff contests, he has been the primary voice for “The Star-Spangled Banner”.

His long-standing presence has helped establish a sense of continuity for Hurricanes fans, particularly during postseason runs. While the organization occasionally features guest performers for special events, he has remained the singer most commonly associated with Carolina home games.

When was the last time the Hurricanes hosted a Stanley Cup Final game?

The last time the Hurricanes hosted a Stanley Cup Final game was in June 2006, when Carolina faced the Edmonton Oilers in a memorable seven-game championship series. They reached several postseasons and conference finals since then.

The Hurricanes hosted Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 of that Final at what was then known as RBC Center. They ultimately defeated Edmonton 3-1 in Game 7 to capture the first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history.

Their victory over the Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference Final secured a long-awaited return to the Stanley Cup Final and brought the NHL’s biggest stage back to Raleigh for the first time in 20 years.

What time will the national anthem be performed before the Hurricanes vs Golden Knights?

The national anthem is expected to be performed shortly before the scheduled 8:00 PM ET start time for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. The game is set for Tuesday, June 2, at Lenovo Center in Raleigh.

As is customary for NHL games, the anthem ceremony will take place moments before the opening faceoff. Fans arriving early will also be able to enjoy the Stanley Cup Final festivities surrounding the arena.

The National Hockey League announced that country music duo Brothers Osborne will headline a free outdoor concert beginning at 5:30 PM ET before fans head inside for the championship opener.

Who sang the national anthem in the Hurricanes’ previous playoff games?

As the Carolina Hurricanes advanced through the postseason and eventually secured its place in the Stanley Cup Final, Adam Lee Decker remained a familiar part of the pregame presentation at Lenovo Center.

His performances have accompanied the Hurricanes through one of the most successful playoff runs in franchise history. The singer’s continued presence reflects the organization’s preference for maintaining traditions.

“It would be nice to be up 2-1, but we’re not because of me,” Hutson stated after the game, via NHL.com. “It’s frustrating.” While Hutson threw himself under the bus for the loss, head coach Martin St. Louis believes it didn’t come down to one player’s mistake. Teams win and lose together, and he made that clear.

“I didn’t love the play, but whatever,” St. Louis confessed. “It’s what’s next and we didn’t do what’s next. We didn’t get the job done.” The Canadiens are down 2-1. Another loss on home ice in Game 4 would put them with their backs against the wall and on the brink of elimination in the 2025-26 NHL season.

Hutson is in the eye of the Hurricanes

Carolina kept its word. The Hurricanes reportedly confirmed Hutson was in their crosshairs, and they indeed went after him. In fact, just seconds before his costly giveaway in overtime, William Carrier caught Hutson up high with an elbow, which either went unnoticed—or simply uncalled—by the officials.

Carolina knows the best way to keep Hutson in check is by continuously tearing down the undersized blueliner with checks, hits, and some extra shenanigans that, if unpenalized, can turn into a major advantage for the Hurricanes. So far, it has been a formula for success. Taylor Hall hit Hutson’s knee in Game 2, Carrier targeted his head in Game 3, and both contests were won by the Canes in overtime.

That is not to say the Hurricanes are only up in the series because they are playing dirty. Carolina has looked like the far better team, limiting the Montreal Canadiens to just 25 shots on goal over the past two games. The Habs’ blowout win in the series opener taught the Canes a lesson, and the CH has yet to regain its footing.

Canadiens not out—yet

Perhaps the Canadiens will have to push back against the Hurricanes’ antics and meet their aggressiveness somewhere in the middle. If you cannot beat them, join them. The way coach St. Louis’ team has played over the past two outings, it does not look like they can advance past the Canes and into the Stanley Cup Final.

There is a silver lining, though. Montreal has only lost one-goal games decided in overtime. As much trouble as they are in—and as rough as their past few games have been to watch—the Canadiens are still only one game down in the series, and one lucky bounce may well become the difference-maker in the series’ momentum.

One win and it’s a new series

Right now, control mostly rests in the hands of the City of Oaks representatives, but the hockey club from the City of Saints has shown the patience of a saint and the resilience of an oak tree. Combine those two, and the Habs may have the best of both worlds in the Eastern Conference Final.

Still, it is all wishful thinking. If nothing changes, the Hurricanes will keep going after Hutson, keep hemming the Habs into their own zone, and keep throwing everything they have at Jakub Dobes. The time for action is now. In Quebec’s metropolis, the sirens have gone off on the Island of Montreal: there is a hurricane warning.

“The Hurricanes have no intention of going any easier on Lane Hutson. I spoke this morning with Jaccob Slavin, Jalen Chatfield, and Logan Stankoven, and all three confirmed to me that hitting ‘Montreal’s playmaker’ was part of their game plan,” as reported by Anthony Martineau of TVA Sports. “We have no choice but to play him tight, but legally,” Stankoven commented.

Since Hall collided with Hutson against the boards in Game 2, momentum shifted in the Eastern Conference Final series. The Hurricanes have found their footing and came away with a crucial victory to even the series at one game apiece. As the series heads to Montreal, it’s all tied up.

Momentum shifted in series

The 3-2 overtime win in Game 2 was paramount in more ways than one for the Canes. They needed it to exorcise their playoff demons, namely the ghosts of Conference Finals past. It was Carolina’s first home-ice win in this stage since 2006.

Since then, the Hurricanes had gone 0-9 in conference final games in Raleigh. The Canes are not out of the woods yet, but they chopped down the Habs—and aim to keep doing so—while snapping a long-standing hex in the City of Oaks.

Unfortunately for Hutson and the Canadiens, they are not off the chopping block just yet. Unless Montreal fights back and matches Carolina’s aggressiveness, the Canadiens could be in for very long games—but not a very long series.

Hutson remains calm

“I’m not too worried about it. I mean, it’s been happening all playoffs for everyone so it’s not just me, it’s everyone,” Hutson said, via Priyanta Emrith on X. “The game happens so fast I’m not saying [Hall] intended to do anything crazy. I put myself in a bad spot and he took advantage.”

Hutson’s statement sends a calming message to the fanbase in the City of Saints. The star blueliner was seen practicing with no signs of discomfort ahead of Game 3, and all indications point to him being at full capacity for the upcoming showdown.

The entire metropolis is buzzing as the CH prepares to host its first conference finals home game with no attendance restrictions at Bell Centre since 2014. It’s been a long time coming, the Habs won’t be intimidated by the Canes’ antics. At least, their fans certainly hope not.

“Being 1-1 is a good spot on the road. I think we can just go back home with a lot of confidence that we can beat these guys in the series,” Suzuki admitted in his press conference, via NHL.com.

Coming into the 2025-26 NHL season, not many expected the Canadiens to be competing right at the doorstep of the Stanley Cup Final. Still, they have found a way, and their captain will not give up at the first sign of trouble. Plus, anybody could have seen the series being split through the opening games. Based on how the postseason has gone for Montreal so far, it felt inevitable.

Same old Montreal

The Habs are 9-7 so far in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. They have won consecutive games in a series only once, and that came in Games 2 and 3 against the Buffalo Sabres. Thus, fans in Montreal were not exactly surprised to see the team fall in Game 2 after prevailing in the series opener.

Plus, coming away with one win during the trip to Raleigh is not a bad outcome by any means. Up until this point, no team had defeated Carolina on the road—nor at home, for that matter. Still, it is all about having a strong homestand in Games 3 and 4. According to head coach Martin St. Louis, the Habs must relax.

“I feel like we want to do it for [our fans] so bad that sometimes we just try too hard and look out of sorts a bit,” St. Louis stated. “I just think we need to take a deep breath and understand that they are behind us.”

Series schedule

Games 1 and 2 are in the books. The Eastern Conference Final will head to the City of Saints for Games 3 and 4 before returning south to the City of Oaks. Game 5 is already guaranteed, but whether the series will go six or seven games is still up in the air. A spot in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final is up for grabs, and there is no distance either team is unwilling to go.

• Game 3: Hurricanes at Canadiens, May 25th
• Game 4: Hurricanes at Canadiens, May 27th
• Game 5: Canadiens at Hurricanes, May 29th
• Game 6: Hurricanes at Canadiens, May 31st (If necessary)
• Game 7: Canadiens at Hurricanes, June 2nd (If necessary)

“Not bad. I mean, definitely some rust, but, I just have to find a way to make sure that I adapt as soon as possible. Every game is so big. If you come back at this point of the year, you got to find a way to get that timing and make sure my game is where it needs to be.”

The Penguins have finally finished a brutal road trip through Carolina, Vegas, Utah, and Colorado, so they will have several days of rest to prepare for a final push toward the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Are the Penguins eliminated from playoffs?

No. The Penguins are not eliminated from the playoffs, as they are in second place in the Metropolitan Division with 84 points. They control their destiny to advance to the postseason with 14 games remaining.

Is Sidney Crosby back with Penguins?

Yes. Sidney Crosby has recovered from his lower body injury and is available for the final stretch of the season with the Penguins. The legend lamented that, after coming back multiple times from deficits and taking a 5-4 lead, they were unable to capitalize in Carolina.

“That’s what we needed to do. Put ourselves in a decent spot. We just couldn’t find a way to get through. It was a really good push, but we have to close those out. Ultimately, it’s about winning the game.”

“He just was grabbing my stick… I don’t know what he expects me to do if he’s holding on my stick for that long,” Crosby told Taylor Haase of DK Pittsburgh Sports. “Plus, he slashed me after that.”

After Crosby confirmed his return for the Penguins, the captain logged over 18 minutes and added an assist to his goal in his first game back after missing 11 games with a Grade 2 MCL sprain suffered at the 2026 Olympics.

Crosby addresses physical exchange in emotional return

The altercation came during a second-period battle with Svechnikov, where repeated stick contact led Crosby to throw a punch, followed by a slash from Svechnikov that hit near his previously injured knee.

Both players were penalized, and Crosby later dismissed any notion that the Hurricanes forward was targeting his injury. “No, no. You know, he does that a lot regardless,” he said, downplaying the incident despite its intensity.

Hurricanes outlast Penguins in high-scoring finish

The game turned into a back-and-forth battle, with Erik Karlsson and Bryan Rust contributing for Pittsburgh as Carolina responded to force overtime. Sean Walker scored the winner with 28.3 seconds left in OT. “We’ve got to find a way to win that game,” Crosby said after the loss.