What happened

Brandon Bussi led the Carolina Hurricanes out for warmups ahead of Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, the clearest signal that he would get the start in net. Pyotr Kochetkov dressed as the backup, while Frederik Andersen was not on the ice. Carolina rewarded the call with a 5-3 win.

Why it matters

Handing a Cup Final start to Bussi is a notable decision, and he delivered the same way he did when he savored a win in his first career playoff start. Trusting a young netminder on the sport's biggest stage speaks to the confidence Carolina has in him. The result also keeps the Hurricanes' net situation a live storyline with Andersen's status in question.

By the numbers

The series has been a tight, high-event affair. Recent meetings include CAR 4 @ VGK 5 on June 7, VGK 3 @ CAR 4 on June 5, and VGK 5 @ CAR 4 on June 3. Carolina entered the night scoring 4.1 goals per game and allowing 2.6 across its recent run, and the 5-3 result fit that offensive profile.

What to watch next

The first question is whether Andersen's absence is injury-related or a coach's decision, a distinction that shapes how Carolina manages the rest of the Final. The second is whether Bussi keeps the crease for the next game after answering the bell in Game 4. With the series still being decided one tight contest at a time, the Hurricanes' goaltending choice remains a defining thread.