“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.

The most lopsided game came on May 25, 1991, when the Pittsburgh Penguins crushed the Minnesota North Stars 8-0 in Game 6 to clinch their first championship. The eight-goal margin remains the largest victory.

Led by Mario Lemieux and backed by a flawless 39-save shutout from Tom Barrasso, they dominated from start to finish, scoring three times in the opening period and never allowing Minnesota a chance to recover.

How did the Pittsburgh Penguins dominate the 1991 Stanley Cup Final?

The Pittsburgh Penguins dominated the 1991 Stanley Cup Final by defeating the Minnesota North Stars 8-0 in Game 6, setting the record for the largest margin of victory in Stanley Cup Final history.

The blowout secured Pittsburgh’s first championship and capped one of the most impressive playoff runs of the early 1990s. Although the Penguins entered the Final as favorites, the series was not a complete mismatch.

Minnesota stole Game 1 and repeatedly challenged Pittsburgh throughout the matchup. However, the Penguins’ star power eventually proved overwhelming. Game 6 quickly became a showcase of Pittsburgh’s dominance.

The Pens scored three goals in the opening period and continued attacking relentlessly throughout the night. Mario Lemieux finished with a goal and four points, while Tom Barrasso stopped all 39 shots he faced to record a shutout.

The championship also announced the arrival of a new NHL powerhouse. Lemieux finished the postseason with 44 points in 23 games and captured the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. Pittsburgh would return the following season and win a second consecutive Stanley Cup.

What are the largest winning margins in Stanley Cup Final games?

An eight-goal margin is the largest winning margin in Stanley Cup Final history, achieved by the Pittsburgh Penguins in their 8-0 victory over the Minnesota North Stars in 1991. More than 30 years later, no team has surpassed that mark.

Among the biggest blowouts ever recorded in Stanley Cup Final games are:

The Oilers joined this exclusive list in 2024 when they routed the Panthers 8-1 in Game 4 while facing elimination. Connor McDavid recorded four points and Edmonton became just the third team in NHL history to score at least eight goals.

Has any team ever won the Stanley Cup Final by more than eight goals?

No, no team has ever won a Stanley Cup Final game by more than eight goals. Pittsburgh’s 8-0 victory over Minnesota in 1991 remains the NHL record for the largest margin of victory in a Stanley Cup Final contest.

Several teams have come close by winning Final games by seven goals, including Colorado’s 8-1 victory over Florida in 1996, Boston’s 8-1 win against Vancouver in 2011, and Edmonton’s 8-1 triumph over Florida in 2024.

Yet none managed to exceed the eight-goal benchmark. The longevity of the record is particularly impressive considering the dramatic changes the NHL has experienced over the past three decades.

Which Stanley Cup Final featured the most goals in a single game?

The highest-scoring Stanley Cup Final game on record was Detroit’s 9-4 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 4 of the 1936 Stanley Cup Final, a contest that produced 13 combined goals. Nearly 90 years later, no Stanley Cup Final game has surpassed that total.

The game took place on April 7, 1936, and featured an offensive explosion rarely seen in a championship series. Detroit scored nine times against Toronto, establishing a record that still stands for the most goals scored by a team.

The Red Wings’ nine-goal outburst was later matched—but not exceeded—by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1942 and the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023. Modern NHL fans may be more familiar with the Vegas Golden Knights’ 9-3 victory over the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final.

It did not take long for the winger to hoist his first Stanley Cup, as he won the Cup in 1986 with the Habs. Wherever he went in the NHL, wins followed. His style of play continues to influence players across the league.

Lemieux was the classic prototype of a forward you love when he is on your team and hate when he is not. More often than not, that description fits natural-born winners best, and Lemieux was no exception. His immediate impact on the Canadiens earned him an eternal place among the franchise’s most beloved players.

In fact, Lemieux recently raised the torch in Montreal’s pregame ritual before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final. His appearance at Bell Centre earlier this week makes his passing all the more difficult to digest and comprehend—if there is even a way to do so.

Lemieux’s Stanley Cup conquests

Though unrelated to Mario Lemieux, Claude made his last name proud with a remarkable career. He joined a very short list of players to have won the Stanley Cup with three different teams. Claude Lemieux hoisted Lord Stanley four times in his career: in 1986 with the Montreal Canadiens, 1995 with the Colorado Avalanche, and 1996 and 2000 with the New Jersey Devils.

Furthermore, Lemieux won the Conn Smythe Trophy for his production during the 1995 conquest. During those Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Quebecker registered 16 points (13 goals and 3 assists) in 20 games for the Devils.

Lemieux represented Canada Hockey multiple times and helped his country crown itself champion in the 1985 World Junior Hockey Championship and the 1987 Canada Cup. Time and again, Claude proved to be a winner. Winning was all he did in the NHL, and it is what he will forever be remembered for in Montreal, Denver, Newark, and across the entire league.

Lemieux’s stats

Across his long NHL career—which extended over three different decades and two different centuries—Lemieux played 1,215 games, registering 379 goals and 407 assists for a total of 786 points. He ended his career with a 0.65 points-per-game average.

In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, however, he became a different beast—an untamable one at that. Across 234 postseason games, Lemieux recorded 158 points (80 G, 78 A), posting a 0.68 points-per-game average.

Following his crowning with the Devils in 2000, Lemieux had one-year stints with the Phoenix Coyotes and Dallas Stars in 2001-02 and 2002-03, respectively. After a five-year hiatus, Lemieux returned for his final NHL season in 2008-09, in which he played one game for the San Jose Sharks before hanging up the skates.

“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)

“I just said execution like five times. I think that’s what hurt us,” MacKinnon told reporters after the game, via NHL.com. “It needs to be better. And, you know, obviously we’re capable of being a lot better than that.”

The Vegas Golden Knights got the best of MacKinnon’s Avalanche en route to a 4-2 victory in Game 1. Colorado is sensing the pressure as it trails in a series for the first time in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Avalanche lose first home game of the playoffs

Up until its defeat against Vegas, Colorado was undefeated at Ball Arena in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Avs are 5-1 at home, whereas the Knights are 5-2 on the road so far in this year’s postseason.

Moreover, the last time the Avs had lost an opening game was in the 2024 postseason—Game 1 of the first round against the Winnipeg Jets. They ended up turning the tables and advancing with a 4-1 series win, so perhaps this serves as a wake-up call for MacKinnon and company.

Tortorella warns Avalanche about Hart

Despite a concerning start to the playoffs, John Tortorella and the Golden Knights stuck with Carter Hart in net. Needless to say, patience has been a virtue and has paid off for the team in Sin City so far. Following yet another strong outing in Game 1 against Colorado Avalanche, Tortorella praised Hart’s resilience with a sincere comment.

“[Hart] is a hell of a goalie. I think he’s grown so strong mentally. I don’t think much bothers him. He is just zeroed in,” Tortorella said about his goaltender, via TSN. “And he’s going to have to be, because we’ve got a lot of work to do here.”

Hart is a problem for Avalanche

Hart was the first star of the night in Game 1 as he stopped 36 shots and finished with a .947 save percentage (SV%). So far in the playoffs, he has registered a 2.35 goals-against average (GAA) and a .920 SV% through 13 games.

Among goalies with at least eight games played in the postseason, Hart ranks fourth in goals saved above expected (6.3), according to data from MoneyPuck. Hart also has the second-most saves against unblocked shot attempts with 826 stops.

His numbers only go to show how much work is left to be done by MacKinnon and the Avalanche. If they want to advance past Vegas, the Avs must make Hart uncomfortable because the 27-year-old netminder has finally settled into the crease in the Entertainment Capital of the World.

“The Canadiens have recalled Owen Beck, Adam Engstrom, David Reinbacher and Florian Xhekaj from the Laval Rocket,” Montreal announced on its social media, via @CanadiensMTL on X.

The four players combined for 37 appearances during the 2025–26 NHL regular season. Beck and Engstrom each played 15 games, while Xhekaj—Arber’s brother—appeared in five. Reinbacher, the former fifth overall pick in 2023, suited up only twice.

Needless to say, the Habs don’t expect them to play against the Sabres, nor in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Regardless, anything can happen and Montreal will much rather be safe than sorry.

Canadiens have a role for their black aces

“Black aces” is the term coined for players called up to the NHL from the AHL or junior leagues after their respective seasons come to an end. In the case of the Laval Rocket, they were eliminated by the Toronto Marlies in a best-of-five series in the North Division Semifinals.

With their campaigns coming to a heartbreaking end, the four youngsters will now join Montreal’s practices to get a taste of—and experience the atmosphere surrounding—the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, all signs suggest none of them will travel with the team, let alone crack the active lineup in such a high-stakes series against Buffalo.

Canadiens dream big

The Canadiens are searching for their 25th Stanley Cup in franchise history and their first since 1993—the last time a Canadian team won it all . As the final representative of the Great White North still standing, the pressure is on the Habs to deliver. More likely than not, they will not compromise their chances by dressing young players who may still be wet behind the ears.

Still, having them around the team could help their development while also giving the Canadiens additional depth should injuries begin to pile up and leave Montreal down to its last bullet in the chamber.

“Just so appreciative for the opportunity to have played with them as long as we have. Hopefully, we can keep going,” Crosby said after the playoff elimination from the 2025-26 NHL campaign, via Pens Inside Scoop. “It’s kind of hard to put into words, honestly. We probably have just gotten used to. I think they’re like family. We’ve had some great wins, some tough losses like this.”

Crosby’s statement was a clear message to the organization and the higher ranks in the front office, including president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas. Still, the Penguins will take their time before coming to a final decision on Malkin, who will turn 40 before the 2026–27 NHL season. In fact, Malkin will be the same age as Dubas when the puck drops in October.

Crosby, Malkin, and Letang: ‘The Big Three’

Crosby, Malkin, and Kris Letang have played together for the past 20 seasons in the NHL. No other trio in North American sports history has been together for as long as the “Big Three” in Pittsburgh. Ask any of the three, and they hope to keep the streak going in the 2026–27 season.

However, at some point, the front office must decide what’s best for the organization. Malkin is set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in the summer, and although Dubas has admitted there’s interest in a reunion, anything can happen.

If it were up to Crosby, the decision would be made in a heartbeat, though he understands the business side of it and doesn’t take these past two decades for granted. Obviously, the trio has led Pittsburgh to three Stanley Cup conquests (2009, 2016, and 2017).

Where do the Penguins go next?

Entering this season, many expected it to be a sort of last dance for the “Big Three.” Making the postseason was a surprise, and the belief in the City of Bridges was that the trio could pull off one last improbable deep run. In the end, Crosby, Malkin, and Letang did their job but couldn’t overcome the lack of depth in Pittsburgh, and the young Flyers squad ultimately took them out in six games, in identical fashion to their first-round elimination by Philly in 2012.

Now, the dilemma is even harder for the Penguins. Should they call it a career for the “Big Three,” or have the three veterans proven to be part of the solution? Whichever route Dubas and company go down, only time will tell whether it was the right move or not.

For as much success as Crosby and company have had, the past few years have been anything but kind to fans in Pittsburgh. Moreover, extending Malkin may only be clawing at and holding on to the last thread of the glory days in the City of Bridges. It might have lost its grace and may be seen as more of a last-ditch effort than a tribute to the franchise’s active heroes..

Might be time to move on

Since hoisting back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017, the Penguins have only won a single playoff series. That was back in 2018. Since the Washington Capitals knocked them out of the second round, en route to their Cup conquest, the Pens haven’t been the same.

Pittsburgh has been bounced in the opening round five times since (including once in the qualifying round in the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs in the bubble). Moreover, they missed the postseason entirely three years in a row (2023, 2024, and 2025).

Pittsburgh’s 2025–26 NHL season was an anomaly. Against all odds, the Pens made the playoffs in Dan Muse’s first year as head coach. However, at the end of the day, it was only an oasis in the desert. It takes no master in biology to know a penguin won’t last long in the desert, and thus time is running out for Pittsburgh to figure out what’s wrong.

It starts with Malkin

Nailing the Malkin decision in the offseason is only the first step, yet it could well make or break Dubas’ plans for the summer. Crosby has sent his two cents out there for the organization to listen to, and it will. However, Crosby is only signed through one more season, and sooner or later, the Penguins will have to brace for a team that no longer features “Sid the Kid.”