Aho’s Two Goals Lead Hurricanes Past Kraken in Helsinki

Aho scored twice in front of Finnish fans as the Hurricanes defeated the Kraken 4-1 on November 12 at Veikkaus Arena. The game opened the NHL’s Global Series in Helsinki and marked the league’s return to the venue after 16 years.

Carolina took a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals 1 minute and 6 seconds apart. Nikolaj Ehlers opened the scoring with a long-range shot from near the blue line, then Aho scored on a power play after Jackson Blake set him up beside the net. Ehlers finished with a goal and an assist.

Aho added his second goal with a quick shot from between the circles late in the game. His 321st career NHL goal moved him level with Olli Jokinen for fourth among Finnish players in league history. Juuso Välimäki also scored for Carolina, while Frederick Gaudreau scored Seattle’s only goal.

Carolina goaltender Brandon Bussi stopped 12 shots; Seattle’s Philipp Grubauer made 26 saves. The Hurricanes improved to 15-3-2, winning seven of their last eight. The Kraken fell to 9-7-1 in their first regular-season game outside North America.

Taylor Hall played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the first player to reach that milestone overseas. The teams will complete their two-game Helsinki series on Saturday.