MacKinnon leads Avalanche to 5-4 overtime win against Canucks
VANCOUVER — Gavin Brindley scored just 68 seconds into overtime, securing a 5-4 victory for the Colorado Avalanche over the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday night.
Jake DeBrusk kept Vancouver alive by deflecting a Brock Boeser power-play pass with 3:01 left in the third period to force overtime.
Key Performers
- Artturi Lehkonen scored twice in the third period, including a power-play goal for Colorado.
- Nathan MacKinnon scored two goals within 1:28 in the first period (one on the power play) and added three assists, finishing with five points.
- Valeri Nichushkin contributed two assists, helping the Avalanche maintain their league-best 10-1-5 record.
- Defenseman Cale Makar, leading all defensemen with 21 points (6 goals, 15 assists), earned two assists.
Canucks Scoring Highlights
- Drew O’Connor scored short-handed.
- Linus Karlsson impressed with a between-the-legs goal.
- Kiefer Sherwood capitalized on a turnover for his team-leading 10th goal of the season.
Additional Game Details
Both teams had won their previous games on Saturday: Vancouver defeated Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3, while Colorado dominated the Edmonton Oilers 9-1.
Goaltender Kevin Lankinen made 27 saves for Vancouver, marking his second consecutive start. Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 29 shots for Colorado. Vancouver's 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 fueled Colorado’s overtime victory with a five-point night, helping the Avalanche extend their lead atop the NHL standings.