CHICAGO — In an intense matchup, Sebastian Aho netted the game-winning goal just 59 seconds into overtime, leading the Carolina Hurricanes to a narrow 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday evening.

The Hurricanes saw contributions from Seth Jarvis, Jordan Staal, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi, marking their second consecutive win. Notably, Staal achieved his 700th career point during the game, which was also his 1,300th appearance in the NHL.

Goalkeeper Freddie Andersen returned to action after being out since October 26 due to a knee injury, successfully making 22 saves. This game also marked his 500th career appearance in the NHL.

The game saw a dramatic finish. With just over six minutes remaining in regulation, Staal tied the game at 3 when he poked in a loose puck under goaltender Petr Mrazek, scoring his 10th goal of the season. Aho subsequently sealed the win with his 14th goal right at the conclusion of the game, even as Chicago’s Connor Bedard expressed frustration by knocking the puck into the net after the final whistle.

For the Blackhawks, Ryan Donato and Phillipp Kurashev each contributed a goal and an assist. Tyler Bertuzzi also found the back of the net, while Mrazek turned aside 44 shots.

Kurashev’s goal was particularly significant as it was his first since November 10 and marked his return after being sidelined since January 10. He stepped in for Pat Maroon, who is currently managing a back injury and is considered day-to-day.

The Hurricanes made a strong comeback in the second period, highlighted by Jarvis’s short-handed goal at 1:25. Kotkaniemi then leveled the score at 2-2 with his seventh goal of the season at 7:26.

Chicago managed to regain the lead, 3-2, when Taylor Hall smartly assisted Donato for his 14th goal with only 19 seconds left in the second period.

**Takeaways:** Andersen’s health is critical for the Hurricanes moving forward, as he joins fellow goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov. Meanwhile, Kurashev capitalized on his return, scoring and contributing significantly after a lengthy absence from scoring.

**Key Moment:** A standout moment came when Bertuzzi had a breakaway opportunity in the third period, but Andersen made an impressive glove save with 4:43 remaining.

**Key Stat:** Staal distinguished himself by becoming the first player from the 2006 NHL draft class to reach 1,300 career games.

**Next up:** The Hurricanes are set to clash with the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night, while the Blackhawks will take on the Tampa Bay Lightning at home on Friday.