The 2026 NHL Global Series concluded with the Carolina Hurricanes delivering a strong performance. After defeating the Minnesota Wild in both 2010 matches, they entered a two‑game series against the Seattle Kraken in Helsinki, ultimately securing a 4‑1 and 5‑1 victory to improve their record to 16‑3‑2 and extend a four‑game winning streak. The return to Finland was especially meaningful for Sebastian Aho, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, and Juuso Välimäki, each of whom recorded at least one point. Which three Hurricanes players distinguished themselves during the two contests?
3. Andrei Svechnikov
Svechnikov recorded an assist in Thursday’s 4‑1 victory, then turned in a standout performance on Saturday, netting two power‑play goals in the 5‑1 win. His two goals in the second period gave him a share of the three man‑advantage goals the Hurricanes scored, contributing to a clean sweep of the Global Series.
Across the two games, Svechnikov totaled two goals and one assist, raising his season totals to 11 goals and 21 points. His early surge contrasts with last season’s slow start, and he is on pace for 84 points over 84 games — well beyond his previous career high of 70. The strong showing in Helsinki provides a notable boost for Svechnikov as the Hurricanes prepare to face the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday, November 19.
2. Nikolaj Ehlers
Danish forward Nikolaj Ehlers delivered an impressive two‑game stretch against the Kraken. He contributed one goal and five points, including three assists in Saturday’s win, and was involved in five of the Hurricanes’ nine goals — eight of which featured a European teammate. His impact was evident on both even‑strength and power‑play situations, underscoring his importance to head coach Rod Brind’Amour and his role on the second line alongside Logan Stankoven and Jackson Blake.
Ehlers made his mark in both even‑strength and power‑play scenarios, contributing to five of the Hurricanes’ nine goals in a 9‑2 victory. He currently sits at five goals and 20 points through 21 games, on track for a career‑high 20 goals and 80 points this season — surpassing his 71‑point total from the previous year.
Overall, Ehlers delivered a stellar performance in Helsinki, a short four‑hour flight from his home in Denmark, helping the Hurricanes collect a perfect four points from the two games.
1. Sebastian Aho
It is unsurprising that Sebastian Aho, nicknamed “Fishy,” rounded out the list with two goals and three points during his return to Finland. Although the three Finnish Hurricanes enjoyed a special moment, the focus remains on the 35th overall selection from the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
Coach Rod Brind’Amour praised Aho’s outing, noting, “He was thrilled to be here and to compete in this event. The significance of the occasion was clear, and he elevated his game. He was one of the top performers on the ice each night, making a noticeable impact on every shift. This experience will be memorable, and I’m delighted for him.”
Aho’s emotional significance was evident after Thursday’s win, in which he scored two goals in his first NHL game played in Finland. “I felt great, though I was a bit nervous beforehand. Winning the game was the priority, and scoring made it even better.” His second goal came exactly a decade after his first NHL goal on November 12, 2016.
The first game highlighted the continued growth of Aho’s legacy in Raleigh, and his performances across both contests have cemented his status among the Hurricanes’ all‑time greats. In 21 games this season, he has recorded 12 goals and 29 points, putting him on track for a career‑high 112 points. His previous best season, 2023‑24, yielded 89 points, and a 100‑plus point campaign after a Stanley Cup victory would further underscore his superstar status.
While many Hurricanes players made strong cases, the three highlighted distinguished themselves in Helsinki. Collectively, they prioritized the team above individual accolades. The Hurricanes now sit at 16‑3‑2, tops in the league, and have extended a four‑game winning streak. It was a memorable couple of games for the team and its fans who traveled to Helsinki, and we look forward to their next European visit, which we hope won’t be delayed by another 16 years.