Sebastian Aho had a great game Sunday night, as his overtime goal of just 1 minute and 30 seconds sealed the win for Carolina in a 4-3 decision over Pittsburgh.
This exciting moment won the game and was Aho’s 600th career point in the NHL—an important accomplishment in his growing career.
The Penguins took an early lead, scoring two quick goals within the first six minutes.
Kevin Hayes and Michael Bunting scored to make it 2-0 for Pittsburgh.
However, the Hurricanes fought back. Aho was essential in helping his team get back into the game.
He helped Seth Jarvis net his first goal and then set up Jalen Chatfield to tie the score 2-2 with just over seven minutes remaining in the second period.
Jarvis struck again, giving Carolina a short-lived 3-2 advantage before Erik Karlsson evened it for Pittsburgh late in the second.
Sebastian Aho rikkoo 600 tehopisteen rajapyykin jatkoaikamaalillaan! 🔥🚨
— NHL Suomi (@NHL_fi) January 6, 2025
Eikä siinä kaikki! Maali oli Ahon NHL-uran 14. jatkoaikamaali, joka nostaa hänet suomalaisten kaikkien aikojen ylivoimamaalien kuninkaaksi ohi Olli Jokisen. 🇫🇮
Aho nappasi myös kaksi syöttöpistettä. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/CiVwPXxh7u
The game was tied at three until Aho scored in overtime to win it for Carolina.
Along with his important goal, Aho also had two assists, showing his strong offensive skills.
Jarvis also had a good game, scoring two goals in the contest, and Chatfield added one more goal.
Goaltender Dustin Tokarski stopped 16 shots, helping the Hurricanes win and move to a 3-0 record against Pittsburgh this season.
Rod Brind’Amour Praised Sebastian Aho For His Outstanding Performance Against The Pittsburgh Penguins.
Sebastian Aho has been quite an important cog in the Hurricanes’ wheel ever since they picked him in the second round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft as the 35th overall pick.
He wasted little time making an effect, scoring his first NHL goal in November 2016 and followed that up with another goal in a big 5-1 win against the Washington Capitals.
In January 2017, Aho became the youngest player in franchise history to score three goals in one game against the Flyers.
After scoring his milestone goal, Aho shared insights about his gameplay,
“It’s a lot easier when you have the puck. You feel like you’re not tired when you have the puck; when you’re chasing it, it’s a lot harder. I don’t think how long I’m (out) there. Every situation is different. When it’s time to change, it’s time to change. Luckily, it ended our way”
Via NHL
His ability to maintain focus and adapt during high-pressure situations has been crucial for his success on the ice.
Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour praised Aho’s recent performances.
He said,
“This last little while here, he’s been very noticeable. Even when he’s not on the score sheet, he’s been around it. That’s the guy we need.”
Via NHL
This praise from Brind’Amour shows that Aho is important not just for scoring; his presence and ability to create plays are key to Carolina’s plan.
With this victory over Pittsburgh, the Hurricanes will look to keep their energy up as they prepare for their next game against Tampa Bay on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh faces Columbus on the same day as they seek to rebound from this tough overtime defeat.
Aho’s play shows how skilled he is, how well he gets along with others, and how hard he works in such a tough game.
With that, the fans can look forward to more exciting times from this young star as he helps Carolina progress in their season.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Sebastian Aho made his SM-liiga debut playing with Oulun Kärpät during the 2013–14 season.
- Aho signed an offer sheet with the Montreal Canadiens, making him the first player to do so since Ryan O’Reilly in 2013.
- Aho was rewarded with a new eight-year, $78 million contract extension because of his contributions and possibility.
