Sebastian Aho delivered yet another clutch performance, netting the game-winning goal with 1:44 left in overtime to lift the Carolina Hurricanes to a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Calgary Flames on Sunday in Raleigh, N.C.
Aho extended his goal streak to three consecutive games, helping Carolina snap a rough stretch with just their second win in five outings. Jaccob Slavin also found the back of the net for the Hurricanes, while goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov held firm with 15 saves.
The Flames, struggling offensively, finally ended a 171-minute scoring drought when Nazem Kadri capitalized on a third-period power play, tying the game at 1-1 at the 7:06 mark. Calgary’s goalie Dustin Wolf put on a strong performance with 30 saves, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a third straight loss.
Aho’s overtime dagger came after Carolina dominated possession in Calgary’s zone, marking his league-leading fifth OT winner this season.
Calgary’s scoring struggles continued, with the team managing just 16 shots on goal their lowest mark of the season. The Flames, now 1-2-1 on their road trip, have one more stop to salvage some momentum.
The Hurricanes had several chances to put the game away earlier, including a four-minute power play late in the third after Calgary’s Blake Coleman was penalized for high-sticking. However, Carolina failed to convert against a Flames penalty kill that ranks near the bottom of the league.
Slavin broke the deadlock late in the second period, scoring with just 35 seconds left to give Carolina a 1-0 lead. His sixth goal of the season matches his total from last year and puts him just two shy of his career-high.
Kadri, who has now notched three goals in his last six games, was one of the few bright spots for Calgary. The Flames were outplayed early, failing to register their first shot until deep into the opening period, as Carolina racked up a staggering 12-1 shot advantage.
Adding to Calgary’s woes, defenseman Kevin Bahl left the game in the final minute of regulation after taking a shot to the head from Slavin at close range. His status remains uncertain.
With Aho continuing to shine in high-pressure moments, the Hurricanes will look to build momentum as they push through the season. Meanwhile, the Flames desperately need answers as they fight to regain their scoring touch.
