The Carolina Hurricanes have made their call for Game 1 of their playoff series against the Ottawa Senators, and it's veteran Frederik Andersen who gets the nod in net over rookie Brandon Bussi. The decision, which surprised a segment of the fanbase, ultimately comes down to a classic playoff dilemma: proven experience versus standout regular-season numbers.

Andersen, 36, brings a wealth of postseason mileage to the crease. In the high-pressure environment of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, that veteran savvy can be invaluable. His regular season, however, was solid if unspectacular, posting a 16-14-5 record with a 3.05 goals-against average and an .874 save percentage.

On paper, the case for Brandon Bussi was compelling. The 27-year-old rookie put together an impressive campaign, going 31-6-2 with a stellar 2.47 GAA and a .894 save percentage. His statistical edge made him a tempting choice to start the series.

This sets up a fascinating storyline for the Hurricanes' playoff run. While Andersen's experience wins the day for Game 1, the crease might not be his alone for long. Playoff hockey is all about momentum, and if the veteran struggles out of the gate, don't be surprised to see the Hurricanes quickly turn to the hot hand of Bussi as they pursue a deep playoff run.