Sebastian Aho capped off a stellar three-point performance with a game-winning goal in overtime, leading the Carolina Hurricanes to a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday night. Aho’s clutch goal at 1:30 into the extra frame sealed the Hurricanes’ third victory over Pittsburgh this season.
Aho Leads the Charge
Aho’s goal not only clinched the win but also marked a milestone as his 600th career NHL point. The Hurricanes’ star forward also assisted on two goals, showcasing his playmaking brilliance.
“Sebastian always rises to the occasion,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said postgame. “He’s a leader for us and showed it again tonight.”
Jarvis Shines as Hurricanes Rally
Seth Jarvis scored twice for Carolina, including the game-tying and go-ahead goals in the second period. Jalen Chatfield also found the back of the net, while Dustin Tokarski made 16 saves to help the Hurricanes recover from an early two-goal deficit.
Penguins’ Fast Start Fizzles
The Penguins jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead with goals from Kevin Hayes and Michael Bunting within the first six minutes. Erik Karlsson added a third-period equalizer to force overtime, but Pittsburgh’s road struggles continued as they fell to 1-4 in their last five away games.
Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin combined for just one goal and one assist, reflecting Pittsburgh’s difficulty in getting production from its stars on the road.
Key Takeaways
- Hurricanes: After falling behind 2-0 early, Carolina leaned on its penalty kill and the dynamic duo of Aho and Jarvis to stage the comeback. The win highlights the Hurricanes’ resilience but underscores their need for greater consistency.
- Penguins: Pittsburgh’s inability to close out games on the road remains a glaring issue. Despite a strong start, their lack of finishing power and reliance on defensive lapses continue to hurt them.
Key Stats
- Milestones: Aho’s 600th career point came in dramatic fashion, while Jarvis notched his 100th career assist.
- Special Teams: Carolina’s penalty kill, ranked second in the NHL, held strong in a critical late-game situation, killing a penalty with three minutes left in regulation.
- Shots on Goal: The Hurricanes outshot the Penguins 30-19, showcasing their offensive pressure after a slow start.
What’s Next
- Penguins: Pittsburgh returns home to face the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday, looking to reverse their recent road woes.
- Hurricanes: Carolina hits the road to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, aiming to build momentum after a gutsy comeback win.