Surrounded by defenders, Carolina goalie Brandon Bussi single handedly saved the day for the Hurricanes.

With a Sabre on each of his sides, Bussi sniffed out a shot from Buffalo’s Tage Thompson. Diving forward, Bussi snatched the puck out of the air, saving what would have been a tie-breaking goal in the second period.

BRANDON BUSSI! 😱

Save of the year candidate. pic.twitter.com/cU9YX5GaHn

— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) January 19, 2026

Arguably his most impressive play with the Hurricanes, Bussi’s save was emblematic of how the matinee with Buffalo went — always in danger yet finding a way to navigate the storm. The Canes (31-15-4) emerged victorious 2-1 over the Sabres (26-17-5), largely thanks to Bussi’s heroic performance. Totaling 17 total saves, good for a .944 save percentage, Bussi stole the show.

“Save of the game for sure, and maybe the year,” said head coach Rod Brind’Amour. “Tough to see a better save than that.”

Bussi’s breakout this season is quickly becoming the story of the year for Carolina. Going undrafted in 2022, he has spent much of his career in the AHL. Almost by sheer luck, the Canes were able to claim Bussi off waivers after the Florida Panthers let him go in October.

“I’ll be frank with you, it’ll never feel normal,” Bussi said. “This is what you dream about your whole life and I think that’s a good thing for me.”

Bussi is now evolving into a star, winning 18 of his first 22 starts with Carolina — an NHL record. The sensational goalie is elevating the Hurricanes to new heights. With 66 points this season, the Canes sit atop the Eastern Conference and are now running away with the Metropolitan Division. Bussi’s presence in net is playing as big a role as any in helping power the Canes throughout the season.

Playing complimentary hockey, the Canes offense did just enough to seal the win. Just seven seconds into a power play, center Seth Jarvis slipped the game winner past Buffalo goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Carolina only got two opportunities for the power play, but scored on special teams when it mattered most.

“There weren’t many, but you have to be able to capitalize,” Jarvis said. “That’s how a lot of goals are scored, special teams, and that’s how you win games.”

Prior to Jarvis’ goal, both sides only scored one goal apiece. The Sabres opened the scoring with an early goal less than two minutes into the matinee. Carolina quickly punched back with a goal of its own. Right wing Andrei Svechnikov scored his fifth goal in three games to even the scoreboard.

“When he’s on the top line you gotta score,” Brind’Amour said. “At the end of the day that’s what has to happen … We need him to be impactful and he was certainly tonight.”

For Carolina, the win continues the Canes’ ascendance towards the top of the NHL, despite facing significant injuries all season. Whether it’s been players breaking out like Bussi or players carrying heavier loads like Jarvis, the Canes resilience continues to be impressive.

“I know I have the best staff in the league for preparing guys,” Brind’Amour said. “That has never really been a question in any game we’ve ever played … You gotta find a way to perform at your best every night, that’s what good players do.”

Next up, the Canes will remain in Raleigh for a matchup with the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday Jan. 22. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. and the game will be available via ESPN+ and Hulu.