MacKinnon nets 5 points as Avalanche beat Canucks 5-4 in overtime
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 forced overtime for Vancouver, redirecting a Brock Boeser pass on a power play with 3:01 left in regulation. For Colorado, Artturi Lehkonen added two goals in the third period, one coming on the power play.
MacKinnon dominates with five points
Nathan MacKinnon struck twice within a span of 1:28 in the first period, including a power-play goal, to give the Avalanche a 2-0 lead. He also contributed three assists, finishing the night with five points.
- Valeri Nichushkin earned two assists.
- Cale Makar collected two assists, bringing his total to 21 points this season (six goals, fifteen assists).
Scoring summary
- Drew O’Connor scored shorthanded for Vancouver.
- Linus Karlsson netted a highlight-reel goal between his legs.
- Kiefer Sherwood capitalized on a turnover, recording his team-leading 10th goal.
Goalies and team records
The Avalanche improved to a league-leading 10-1-5 record. Mackenzie Blackwood made 29 saves for Colorado. For the Canucks (8-8-1), Kevin Lankinen stopped 27 shots while starting for the second straight night. Goalie Thatcher Demko missed his second consecutive game after sitting out Friday’s practice.
Weekend results
Both teams played back-to-back contests. Vancouver defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 on Saturday, while Colorado routed the Edmonton Oilers 9-1.
“Gavin Brindley sealed it in overtime for Colorado after a wild finish in regulation.”
Author’s summary: Nathan MacKinnon led Colorado to an overtime victory with a stellar five-point effort, maintaining the Avalanche’s top position in the NHL standings.