MacKinnon Scores Five Points as Avalanche Beat Canucks 5-4 in Overtime
VANCOUVER — Gavin Brindley scored 68 seconds into overtime, securing a 5-4 NHL victory for the Colorado Avalanche over the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday night.
Jake DeBrusk forced the overtime for Vancouver by deflecting a Brock Boeser pass on a power play with just over three minutes left in the third period.
Key Performances for the Avalanche
- Artturi Lehkonen scored twice in the third period, including a power play goal.
- Nathan MacKinnon scored two goals within 1:28 in the first period, one on the power play, building a 2-0 lead early.
- MacKinnon also added three assists, finishing with five points total.
- Valeri Nichushkin assisted twice, contributing to Colorado’s league-leading 10-1-5 record.
- Defenceman Cale Makar, leading all defensemen in scoring with 21 points, added two assists.
Canucks’ Goal Scorers
- Drew O’Connor scored short-handed.
- Linus Karlsson scored on a notable between-the-legs play.
- Kiefer Sherwood scored off a turnover, marking his team-leading 10th goal of the season.
Game Context and Goalie Performances
Both teams entered the game off wins from Saturday. Vancouver defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3, while Colorado dominated the Edmonton Oilers 9-1.
Kevin Lankinen, starting for the second consecutive night, stopped 27 shots for Vancouver. Avalanche goalie Mackenzie Blackwood made 29 saves.
Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko did not dress for the second straight game after missing practice on Friday.
"Gavin Brindley scored 68 seconds into overtime to give the Colorado Avalanche a 5-4 NHL win over the Vancouver Canucks Sunday night."
Author's summary: Nathan MacKinnon led Colorado’s comeback effort with five points in overtime victory, solidifying the team’s top league standing.