Carolina Hurricanes: Breaking Down Sebastian Aho’s Goals

The Breakdown

First goal of the game: 7 (20%)

We all know how important scoring the first goal is, especially over recent weeks (months? years?).  As of writing, Aho has opened the scoring in six games and in those games, the Hurricanes sport a record of 4-2.  The Hurricanes have scored first in 26 of their 56 games going into the weekend matchups, giving Aho a 27% share in that.  Not too bad.

Game-tying goals: 1 (3.33%)

I dislike this one because it means that the Hurricanes have been trailing.  Of course, I live in reality, so I’ll move on from that.  This is, of course, a very important stat because it shows the team’s ability to rally and a player’s ability to contribute when it’s needed.  Aho currently has only one game-tying goal, but this one carries extra weight.  Why?  It was scored on the power play.  We all know what the Hurricanes’ power play has been like for a large chunk of the season, and tying a game on the man advantage is a big boost.

Go-ahead goals: 10 (33.33%)

Now, let me elaborate a little with this one: Sebastian Aho has actually scored 10 go-ahead goals, however, 6 of those were the game’s first goal.  Yes, they still count and are just as important, I just want to create a little separation.  In another important category, Aho has performed well.

Insurance goals: 12 (40%)

Padding a lead is never a bad thing, especially in today’s NHL.  Aho’s killer instinct has come to the fore with great regularity in situations where the Hurricanes are looking to extend their lead.

Game-winning goals: 5 (16.66%)

Ah, the Holy Grail of goals: the game-winner.  We have another duplicate, as Aho’s game-winner in a shutout against the Detroit Red Wings was also the first goal of the game.  He’s netted the winning tally in 15.6% of the Hurricanes’ wins so far, a number that struck me as low at first blush.  The flipside is that with the talent on the team, Aho doesn’t always have to be “The Guy.”

Late goals in a rout: 2 (6.66%)

While this category is fine for padding stat lines, it means very little in terms of importance to the team.  For a player as important to the team as Aho, it’s good (but no surprise) to see that he isn’t picking up a ton of meaningless goals.

Conclusion

Sebastian Aho: 2019-20 (through 2-12-20)

31 Goals:

• 22 even-strength (~70%)
• 6 power play (~20%)
• 3 shorthanded (~10%)

More from Cardiac Cane

• 2023 Southeast Rookie Showcase: Takeaways from the Canes’ Strong Showing in Florida
• Week Two Coverage Of College Hockey In NC
• Derek Stepan Ends His On Ice Career As A Hurricane
• The Southeast Rookie Showcase Will Be a Good Look at Carolina’s Future
• Noesen Ready To Provide Depth For Canes

So, when we clean up the goals that fall under multiple categories, 27 (90%) of Sebastian Aho’s 31 goals have come at key times for the Carolina Hurricanes.  Aho’s current pace means he should have 15 goals left, at least (a guy can hope).  That production will be key as the Hurricanes push to make consecutive playoff appearances for the first time since 2002.

The good thing is that Aho seems to score the majority of his goals when his team needs a jolt.  That’s something that will have to continue if the Hurricanes hope to be playing meaningful hockey this spring.

Do you think Sebastian Aho will come up clutch for the Carolina Hurricanes down the stretch?