In a thrilling overtime showdown, Sebastian Aho's goal propelled the Carolina Hurricanes to a narrow 4-3 victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Aho also contributed two assists, while Seth Jarvis scored twice and Jalen Chatfield added another as the Hurricanes solidified their dominance over the Penguins this season, moving to a perfect 3-0 against them. Dustin Tokarski's 16 saves were critical in securing the win.

The Penguins initially took a commanding 2-0 lead with goals from Kevin Hayes and Michael Bunting, but the Hurricanes rallied, with Aho facilitating key plays to bring his team back into contention.

In other NHL action, the New York Rangers triumphed over the Chicago Blackhawks with a resounding 6-2 victory, fueled by Filip Chytil's two goals. The Rangers are showing signs of improvement, bouncing back from a shaky stretch. Meanwhile, the New York Islanders halted their losing streak, thanks to Bo Hovart's overtime goal against the Boston Bruins.

Filip Chytil led the New York Rangers with two goals as they triumphed over the Chicago Blackhawks 6-2 on Sunday. This victory marked the Rangers' second win in three games, though they continue to struggle with a 2-5 record in their last seven matchups. The Blackhawks, conversely, have now suffered six losses in their last seven outings.

Chicago initially took the lead with Tyler Bertuzzi's goal, but the Rangers quickly turned the tide. Jonny Brodzinski and Will Borgen found the net within the final five minutes of the first period, establishing a 2-1 lead for New York. Chytil's contribution extended this lead, showcasing the Rangers' offensive depth.

Filip Chytil's two-goal performance led the New York Rangers to a decisive 6-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday. The Rangers, who have struggled with a 2-5 record over their last seven games, found timely scoring from Jonny Brodzinski, Will Borgan, Reilly Smith, and Vincent Trochek, marking their second win in three contests. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks continued their downward trajectory, losing for the sixth time in seven games.

The Rangers quickly turned the game in their favor with Brodzinski and Borgan scoring within the final five minutes of the first period, establishing a 2-1 lead. Chytil extended the lead to 3-1 early in the second period with a precise wrist shot, while his second goal came later in the game through a double-deflection.

In a positive development for the Chicago Blackhawks, defenseman Alec Martinez and forward Craig Smith are on the verge of returning to the lineup, potentially in time for the much-anticipated NHL Winter Classic against the St. Louis Blues. Both players participated in an optional morning skate prior to the team's recent 5-1 defeat against the Dallas Stars, which indicates their progression from injuries. Martinez has been sidelined since December 13 due to a neck injury, while Smith has been recovering from a back injury since December 20.

Interim head coach Anders Sorensen has provided an optimistic update, labeling both players as day-to-day and expressing confidence in their imminent return. Martinez, who has contributed one goal and three assists in 15 games this season, and Smith, with six goals and four assists in 26 games, were both signed by the Blackhawks during the previous summer's free agency.

As the Blackhawks prepare for the Winter Classic, they have made adjustments to their roster, recalling defenseman Wyatt Kaiser from their AHL affiliate in Rockford and sending Kevin Korchinski back down. Korchinski, a promising young player drafted seventh overall in 2022, has shown significant growth during his time with the Blackhawks, accumulating five goals and ten assists over 76 games last season. Sorensen noted Korchinski's development and emphasized the importance of maintaining his progress as he continues to gain experience.

In a positive development for the Chicago Blackhawks, defenseman Alec Martinez and forward Craig Smith are on the verge of returning to the lineup, potentially in time for the highly anticipated NHL Winter Classic. Both players participated in the team's optional morning skate ahead of their game against the Dallas Stars, signaling their progress in recovery. Martinez has been sidelined since December 13 due to a neck injury, while Smith has been out since December 20 with a back issue. Interim coach Anders Sorensen indicated that both players are considered day-to-day, adding that they are 'close' to making a comeback.

Martinez and Smith, who joined the Blackhawks through free agency last summer, have made notable contributions when healthy. Martinez has recorded one goal and three assists over 15 games this season, while Smith has been more productive with six goals and four assists in 26 games. As the Blackhawks prepare to host the St. Louis Blues in the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field, they have also made adjustments to their roster. Wyatt Kaiser has been recalled from the AHL's Rockford IceHogs, while Kevin Korchinski has been reassigned to the minor leagues after a brief stint with the Blackhawks.

Korchinski, who was selected seventh overall in the 2022 draft, showed promise during his time in the NHL last season, scoring five goals and providing ten assists in 76 games. Sorensen praised Korchinski's development, noting that he has made significant strides during the season. The Blackhawks are keen on ensuring that he continues on this upward trajectory as they navigate the challenges of the season.