As the NHL season returns, there are numerous storylines. How will Artemi Panarin fare now that he’s with the Los Angeles Kings? Will the Colorado Avalanche keep up their historic play? What will this year’s trade deadline bring us?
However, there’s one that isn’t being talked about based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Brandon Bussi has had quite the season. The undrafted netminder from South Beach, New York, has been a major catalyst for why the Hurricanes are atop the Metropolitan Division as well as a cup contender. In his first season in the league, the 27-year-old has posted an astounding 23-3-1 record to go along with a 2.16 goals against average (GAA) and a .908 save percentage (SV%).
Bussi’s Play is Vezina Trophy Worthy
His overall performance has earned him major consideration for the Vezina Trophy as the best goalie. I spoke with Zach Martin, the host of Locked on Hurricanes and beat writer for The Hockey Writers. He gave me several points as to why Bussi has more than deserved to be considered for Vezina. He also provided some stats that make Bussi’s case even stronger.
“Essentially, you’re talking about a goalie who was the fastest to 10 wins in his career in 11 games”, says Martin. “Furthermore, he was also the quickest to 18 and 20 wins, either in 24 or 25 games.” Martin also explained why Bussi’s arrival was so important, given what the Hurricanes have gone through this year.
Bussi’s Impact in Carolina
“With Pyotr Kochetkov out for the rest of the season and Frederik Andersen having a down season, without Bussi, who knows where the Hurricanes are at this season?” “Could they have traded for a goalie? Maybe. But what Bussi has done is remarkable.” The stats and overall play do not lie.
Bussi has been that good for the Hurricanes this season. When prompted, Martin did not hesitate saying what recognition the goalie has earned. “He should at least be in the top five, more so as a finalist this season for the Vezina for what he’s done Martin explains.” “Especially as someone who wasn’t on the Hurricanes roster through training camp and was a waiver claim three days before the season started.”
It will be interesting to watch him and the Hurricanes in these last 20+ games of the regular season. If Bussi can keep up his play, he’ll likely go from Vezina finalist to Vezina favorite by season’s end.
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