P.A.L. Jr. Islanders Alumnus Brandon Bussi Makes NHL History In Stanley Cup Final

Former P.A.L. Jr. Islanders goaltender Brandon Bussi has added his name to the NHL record books.

With victories in each of his first two career Stanley Cup Playoff starts, Bussi became the first goaltender in NHL history to make his first two postseason starts in the Stanley Cup Final and win both games.

Photo Credit: Carolina Hurricanes via X @Canes

Making the first and second playoff starts of his professional career on hockey’s biggest stage, Bussi rose to the occasion for the Carolina Hurricanes. In Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, he stopped 28 of 30 shots to help extend the series. He followed that performance in Game 5, turning aside 23 of 25 shots in another Carolina victory. With wins in both appearances, Bussi became the first goaltender in NHL history to earn victories in his first two career playoff starts, with both coming in the Stanley Cup Final.

Bussi’s journey to the NHL began in the NCDC with the P.A.L. Jr. Islanders during the 2017-18 season. Following his time in the league, he advanced to NCAA Division I hockey at Western Michigan University before beginning his professional career. After several standout seasons in the American Hockey League, he earned his NHL opportunity and has now delivered one of the most unique starts to a playoff career the game has ever seen.

For a player who developed through the USPHL pathway, Bussi’s historic achievement serves as another example of the league’s ability to help players reach the highest levels of the sport. As the Stanley Cup Final continues, the former P.A.L. Jr. Islanders netminder has already secured a place in NHL history.