Rookie goaltender Brandon Bussi made a crucial glove save on Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson during a 2-on-0 rush, securing a 2-1 victory for the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday. The stop highlighted Bussi's instincts in a desperate open-net situation. This win extended Carolina's strong form, earning points in nine of their past 10 games.
The Carolina Hurricanes continued their impressive run with a narrow 2-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres, thanks in large part to standout goaltending from rookie Brandon Bussi. During the game, Bussi robbed Sabres forward Tage Thompson on a 2-on-0 back-and-forth pass, snagging the puck with his glove after anticipating a potential second pass.
"In a moment like that you’re trying not to commit too much on a pass or a fake," Bussi said. "I definitely was thinking a second pass was an option, and at the end of the day just try and get as much of my body over on the second pass for the shot."
Replays showed the shot heading toward the middle of the net, aligning with insights from NHL goaltending scout Rick Wamsley, who noted that shooters often aim for the center in open-net scenarios. "Nine times out of 10 the guy looking at an open net is going to put the puck right in the middle of the net," Wamsley said. Bussi's save exemplified this, as he positioned his body effectively without overcommitting.
Bussi, sharing duties with veteran Frederik Andersen, ranks fourth in goals-against average at 2.20 among goalies with at least 10 games. The Hurricanes have allowed the fewest shots on goal per game (24.1) and rank second in shots for (32.3). They lead the NHL in high-danger shots on goal (451) and offensive zone time percentage (45.4 percent) this season. Since Jan. 1, Carolina tops the league in power-play goals (12 in 12 games) and ties for second in shorthanded goals (two).
This victory underscores Carolina's defensive solidity and Bussi's growing role in their goaltending tandem, contributing to their 7-1-2 record in the past 10 games where they were never outshot.
