Bussi expected to start as Hurricanes visit Canadiens

Brandon Bussi is expected to make his third start of the season when the Carolina Hurricanes visit the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m. ET. The club’s morning lineup report points to Bussi after Monday’s practice had left the starter uncertain.

Bussi made 19 saves on 20 shots in Carolina’s opening-night loss to Florida. The Hurricanes expect to use the same skaters who beat Philadelphia 3-2 in overtime on Saturday.

Pyotr Kochetkov made 16 saves in that win, his first regular-season appearance since Dec. 20, 2025. Sebastian Aho scored twice in regulation with William Carrier and Andrei Svechnikov on his wings, and Shayne Gostisbehere scored the overtime winner on the power play. Carolina enters Tuesday at 1-1-1.

Jordan Staal has been taking the opening faceoffs on most power plays. When he wins the draw, he stays on until the puck leaves the zone, then Nikolaj Ehlers replaces him on the first unit or Mark Jankowski joins the second group.

Montreal is 1-0-1 after rallying from a 5-1 deficit to earn a point in a 6-5 overtime loss at Pittsburgh on Saturday. Jakub Dobes has started both Canadiens games, and Nick Suzuki leads the club with a goal and three assists.

Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis continues to practise in a yellow, no-contact jersey following offseason shoulder surgery.