Brandon Bussi, Hurricanes Fall Short Of Comeback In Chaotic 2OT Loss To Golden Knights
LAS VEGAS – The Carolina Hurricanes had the Vegas Golden Knights reeling in the third period.
Down four goals after two periods in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final, they staged one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent playoff history, erasing the deficit and forcing double overtime. Yet, when the final horn sounded on a 5-4 Vegas victory at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night, it wasn't triumph but a stinging missed opportunity that lingered for the Hurricanes.
A road win after climbing out of a 4-0 hole would have swung the series momentum dramatically in Carolina's favor. Instead, Shea Theodore's bank shot off the end boards found its way past rookie goaltender Brandon Bussi at 5:38 of the second overtime, handing the Golden Knights a 2-1 series lead.
Stanley Cup Final: Game 3 Was Off The Wall
Mitch Marner's hat trick was the focus of Game 3 until the Carolina Hurricanes erased the Vegas Golden Knights' lead. Vegas had the last laugh with Shea Theodore's double-overtime-winner.
In the dressing room afterward, Brind'Amour was his usual no-nonsense self.
"At least we made a game of it," he said. "But there are no moral victories at this time of the year. The hole in the second period was too big to give up."
Bussi Shines In Relief Debut
One bright spot amid the disappointment was Brandon Bussi.
Entering in relief for Andersen, the Western Michigan alum made his Stanley Cup playoff debut under the brightest lights. Tasked with stopping the bleeding in a 4-0 game, Bussi delivered.
He made several critical saves, most notably a massive penalty-shot stop on Marner early in the third that helped fuel the comeback. Facing wave after wave of pressure through regulation, Bussi gave his team every chance to steal the win.
"Honestly, I was pretty even keel, right? I think these are the moments you want to be playing in," Bussi said. "I just put my head down, have fun with it. And it was a great effort by us. Obviously, a tough bounce there in overtime. Kind of felt like it was going to be a greasy one. Unfortunately, it was in our net, so we'll regroup."
The loss was a gut punch after such an emotional rollercoaster. Vegas survived thanks to Marner's brilliance and a fortunate bounce on the winner.
'We Just Dug Too Big A Hole': Brandon Bussi, Jordan Staal, Jordan Martinook, Andrei Svechnikov, Rod Brind'Amour On Brutal Game 3 Loss
A stunning four-goal rally forced double overtime, but a cruel bounce sunk Carolina. The Hurricanes process a heartbreaking defeat that leaves no room for error.
Game 4 returns to T-Mobile Arena on Tuesday night.
The big question now is whether the Hurricanes go back to Bussi, who made 18 saves on 19 shots, or go back to Andersen.
Brind'Amour said they'd take the two days off to decide what they do next.
"That's not my call though," Bussi said. "Fred's the reason why we're here right now. So if they tell me I'm going, great, if not, I'll be ready."
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This story was originally published June 7, 2026 at 6:00 AM.