Gavin Brindley's OT Goal Lifts Avalanche Past Canucks
Gavin Brindley scored 1:08 into overtime, helping the visiting Colorado Avalanche defeat the Vancouver Canucks 5-4 on Sunday night. Brindley carried the puck into the Vancouver zone and fired a shot on goaltender Kevin Lankinen. Lankinen was unable to control the rebound, allowing Brindley to tap the puck between his legs for the game-winning goal.
Nathan MacKinnon had an impressive night with two goals and three assists, while Artturi Lehkonen also scored twice. Valeri Nichushkin added two assists, and Mackenzie Blackwood made 29 saves in his second start of the season. This marked the second consecutive game where MacKinnon recorded at least four points, extending his lead in the NHL for both points (29) and goals (14).
Colorado has won five of their last six games, earning at least one point in each contest during this stretch. For Vancouver, Jake DeBrusk, Drew O'Connor, Kiefer Sherwood, and Linus Karlsson scored goals. Despite 27 saves by Lankinen, the Canucks lost in regulation for the first time in five games this season.
Game Highlights
- MacKinnon opened the scoring at 6:41 in the first period with a one-timer off a Nichushkin pass.
- Just 1:29 later, MacKinnon scored again with a wrister, marking the 381st goal of his NHL career.
- This goal moved MacKinnon past Peter Stastny for third place on the Avalanche's all-time goal-scoring list. Joe Sakic (625) and Michel Goulet (456) hold the top two spots.
"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."
"The goal was the 381st goal of MacKinnon's career, one more than Peter Stastny for third in franchise history."
Colorado continues to build momentum with a strong recent run, while Vancouver faces their first regulation loss after four games.
Summary: Gavin Brindley's overtime goal sealed a 5-4 victory for Colorado, while Nathan MacKinnon led the charge with five points and climbed to third on the franchise scoring list.