Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour remains undecided between two goaltenders during ongoing NHL final

The Carolina Hurricanes must make one of their biggest decisions of the postseason. Frederik Andersen struggled, Brandon Bussi impressed in relief, but head coach Rod Brind’Amour hasn’t revealed which goalie will get the next start.

There is some uncertainty as the Stanley Cup Final is still ongoing, and the Hurricanes are looking to bounce back against the Vegas Golden Knights. Carolina believes it’s not just the goaltending that has made the series so close, but the defense as well.

Rod Brind'Amour addresses Carolina Hurricanes NHL goaltending uncertainty

Rod Brind’Amour, coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, said the team hasn’t made a final decision in net. When asked by reporters which goalie would start next, the Hurricanes coach said no decision had been made. Brind’Amour praised both Frederik Andersen and Brandon Bussi, and said the team will look at its options going forward.

Comments have sparked discussion over Carolina’s crease situation as the NHL final continues. Brandon Bussi then had a solid relief outing.

The 27-year-old stopped 18 of the first 19 shots he saw after replacing Frederik Andersen. He also stopped a penalty shot from Mitch Marner, and helped Carolina rally from a 4-0 deficit.

Andersen has struggled in the final after a brilliant run earlier in the playoffs. The veteran netminder had put up dominant numbers and become a Conn Smythe Trophy candidate before this run.

The Carolina Hurricanes continue to have bigger problems with defensive breakdowns. Rod Brind'Amour talked about avoidable mistakes and admitted players need to do a better job of cutting down on odd-man opportunities. The Vegas Golden Knights have taken advantage of those openings again and again, with Mitch Marner particularly dangerous.

But Carolina's not afraid. Brind’Amour feels the series has been closer than the scores suggest and says the Hurricanes can respond if they tighten up defensively.