Hurricanes avoid collapse vs. Kings with Sebastian Aho's OT winner
Jan 31, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Rasmus Sandin (38) takes a shot past Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho (20) during the first period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images Sebastian Aho's goal 1:25 into overtime rescued the Carolina Hurricanes in a 3-2 victory against the Los Angeles Kings after a late two-goal lead disappeared Sunday afternoon in Raleigh, N.C.
Jordan Staal and Alexander Nikishin scored earlier for the Hurricanes, who pushed their points streak to eight games (6-0-2). Shayne Gostisbehere had two assists, including one on Aho's winner.
Brandon Bussi made 11 saves while improving his record to 21-3-1 during his rookie season.
Samuel Helenius and Quinton Byfield scored in the final seven minutes of regulation after the Kings were in danger of being shut out for the first time this season. Los Angeles has collected at least one point in eight of its last nine games. Anton Forsberg made 31 saves.
Carolina had the only three shots on goal during overtime. The Hurricanes had to feel better about this result after losing a 3-0 lead the day before in Washington in a 4-3 overtime defeat.
Staal scored the game's first goal 6:25 into the game on a power play. Gostisbehere, who has six points in three games since returning from injury, and Andrei Svechnikov assisted on the goal.
There was an eight-minute stretch in the second period when neither team took a shot on goal. The Kings only had eight shots after two periods -- four in each.
Nikishin's seventh goal of the season came with 7:03 remaining in the second on a shot from high in the slot.
Helenius got the Kings on the board 24 seconds later, with Los Angeles making the Hurricanes pay for a turnover.
Then Byfield, who posted the overtime winner Saturday at Philadelphia, scored with 3:11 to play to force the extra frame.
Carolina finished 1-for-4 on power plays, while the Hurricanes killed off both of Los Angeles' man advantages.
The Kings completed a five-game road trip with a 3-1-1 record.
--Field Level Media
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