Gavin Brindley's Overtime Goal Lifts Avalanche Past Canucks
Gavin Brindley scored 1:08 into overtime to lead the visiting Colorado Avalanche to a 5-4 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday night. Brindley carried the puck into the Vancouver zone and took a shot on goalie Kevin Lankinen, who failed to control the rebound. Brindley then tapped the puck between the goaltender's legs, securing Colorado's first win in six games that went beyond regulation.
Key Performers
- Nathan MacKinnon recorded two goals and three assists, marking his second consecutive night with at least four points. He now leads the NHL in points (29) and goals (14).
- Artturi Lehkonen contributed two goals.
- Valeri Nichushkin added two assists.
- Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 29 shots in his second start of the season.
Colorado Avalanche Recent Form
The Avalanche have won five of their last six games and have earned at least one point in every contest during that span.
Vancouver Canucks Highlights
- Jake DeBrusk, Drew O'Connor, Kiefer Sherwood, and Linus Karlsson each scored a goal.
- Kevin Lankinen made 27 saves but allowed the overtime winner. It was the Canucks' first loss in five games beyond regulation this season.
Milestone for Nathan MacKinnon
MacKinnon opened the scoring at 6:41 of the first period with a one-timer off a pass from Nichushkin, then scored again 1:29 later with a wrister. His second goal marked the 381st of his career, moving him past Peter Stastny for third place in franchise history behind Joe Sakic (625) and Michel Goulet (456).
"MacKinnon gave the Avalanche a 1-0 lead at 6:41 of the first when he scored on a one-timer off a pass from Nichushkin. MacKinnon scored his second of the night just 1:29 later when he beat Lankinen with a wrister."
Author's summary: Gavin Brindley's overtime goal capped a strong team effort, highlighted by Nathan MacKinnon's historic performance, to secure a crucial win for the Avalanche against the Canucks.