The Carolina Hurricanes extended their perfect start to 5-0-0 with a 4-3 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night in Los Angeles. Seth Jarvis scored the game-winning goal, marking his fourth such tally in the team's first five games and making NHL history. Jordan Staal's two quick goals in the first period helped build an early lead.
The Hurricanes jumped out to a fast start against the Kings. Jordan Staal scored just 12 seconds into the game, tucking in his first of two goals on the night. Less than four minutes later, at 3:58, Staal hammered a one-timer from the slot past Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg for his second, which also became his 300th career goal. Staal and his brother Eric are the fourth set of brothers in NHL history to both reach the 300-goal mark.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi extended the lead to 3-0 early in the second period with a slick finish on a breakaway. However, the Kings responded with two goals in the second frame, cutting the deficit. In the third period, despite starting on a 5-on-3 power play, Los Angeles tied the game at 3-3 at 11:02, forcing overtime.
In the extra frame, Sebastian Aho's shot from the top of the circles ricocheted, allowing Jarvis to collect the loose puck and tuck it past Forsberg for the winner. It was Jarvis' second overtime goal of the season and made him the first player in NHL history to record game-winning goals in four of his team's first five games.
Goaltender Brandon Bussi stopped 25 of 28 shots for his second career win with the Hurricanes. Defenseman Sean Walker skated in his 400th career NHL game against the team where he debuted in 2018.
This victory marks the third time in franchise history the Hurricanes have opened with a five-game winning streak, following 2019-20 and 2021-22.
"I want to be a big-time player and I like these moments," Jarvis said. "To be trusted in these moments, and to capitalize like I have, it's awesome."
Coach Rod Brind'Amour added, "He's a special player in special times."
The Hurricanes completed a California sweep and next face the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday.