Showing out with stellar saves throughout the game, goaltender Brandon Bussi recorded the first back-to-back start of his career and walked away with his first-ever shutout.

The Carolina Hurricanes (16-7-2) had a steady match against the Calgary Flames (9-14-4), ending with zero regulation goals and 15 shots on-goal each. With the ice opening up, the Canes found a way to sneak the puck past goaltender Devin Cooley just under three minutes into overtime, taking the win 1-0.

Both playing left wing, Taylor Hall and Nikolaj Ehlers don’t often find themselves playing together, but they managed to record the game-winning goal in 3-on-3 action. Using the help of defenseman Sean Walker, they crafted a counterattack into the offensive zone with a give-and-go around the defense. Flying in to finish the play, Ehlers snapped the final pass from Hall into the back of the net, recording the night’s only goal and his first overtime winner as a Hurricane.

“A lot of the time, you’d rather a right-handed player receiving that pass,” Hall said. “But I know that he probably gave me his forehand, and it was a good play. He and I don’t get out a lot together. In practice, we don’t get to do very many drills together because we’re always working as a line. So it’s funny when you get out there with a guy like him that’s fast and elusive.”

Even though there weren’t many shots for either team, the goalie play was the main event Sunday night. Bussi, playing only his eighth game in the NHL, came out looking like a veteran. Making game-saving saves, he was the reason his team had a sliver of hope of walking away with the win. Across the ice from Bussi, Cooley was in the same boat. Coming out hot from the beginning, he was also the reason his team made it to overtime to receive a point.

“It pushes you a little bit,” Bussi said. “It’s just part of staying in the moment. It’s not just trying not to focus on what the other guy is doing, but to be honest, [Cooley] is kind of a buddy of mine. We’ve trained together the last few summers, so I guess I’m pumped to be one up on him now.”

Usually known for their speed and aggressive offense, the Hurricanes had to slow down the pace and commit more attention to their defense. The mistakes and turnovers from the Hurricanes allowed the Flames to dictate the speed of play and generate better opportunities.

“Before the game, they put up their analytics and could tell that they play some low-event hockey,” Hall said. “They play a defensive style, and they’re good at checking. There wasn’t a lot of room in the [offensive] zone tonight. You know their record is what it is, but they played hard and gave us a really tough test. They forced us into making mistakes, they forced us into making plays and for a lot of the night, we didn’t play the way we’re accustomed to.”

After hitting multiple posts and with chances being snatched away, it was evident that Carolina was losing steam and getting frustrated. Bussi, remaining calm and showing up when his team needed him most, was given a boost from the crowd as they chanted his name.

“Anytime you hear your name being chanted by the crowd, it’s really cool,” Bussi said. “The most important thing is kind of what’s going on in this room and stuff, and how we’re playing night in and night out. So obviously, I appreciate it. I don’t want to understate that it is cool, but the most important thing is what we’re doing here, and I’m trying to keep it going.”

Next up, the Hurricanes take on the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. at the Lenovo Center.