The Hurricanes stole one. They lost the expected-goals battle 2.75–3.56 and won anyway.
The Hurricanes stole this. Despite surrendering 56% of expected goals at 5v5 and watching the Senators control 66% of shot attempts, Carolina won 4–1 — a result that would be inexplicable without B. Bussi's exceptional evening.
This was a goaltending story. B. Bussi stopped 36 of 37 shots at 0.973 SV%, saving 2.56 goals above expected. J. Reimer saved 15 of 19 at 0.789 SV%, allowing 1.25 goals more than expected. The gap between these two goalies was the margin of victory.
The Senators had the chances but couldn't finish. Ottawa generated 3.56 expected goals — 56% of the 5v5 total — while controlling 66% of shot attempts (37–19). High-danger chances were tied 3–3. Yet the Senators scored just once, underperforming their xG by 2.56 goals.
Carolina's efficiency was surgical. The Hurricanes scored three goals from low-danger spots — chances opposing goalies need to stop — and were lethal on the rush, scoring four times in 17 attempts. When you're outshot and outexpected but still win decisively, it's because you're converting what matters and your goalie is standing on his head.
Bussi made every crucial save. Reimer faced 37 shots and couldn't reward his team's possession. The Senators' inability to convert, paired with Bussi's excellence, turned a winnable game into a rout.
