Brindley Scores in Overtime to Lift Avalanche Past Canucks 5-4
Gavin Brindley scored 1:08 into overtime to secure a 5-4 victory for the Colorado Avalanche over the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday night in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Key Performances
- Nathan MacKinnon led the Avalanche with two goals and three assists, becoming the NHL's top scorer with 29 points this season.
- Artturi Lehkonen contributed two goals, while Valeri Nichushkin and Cale Makar provided two assists each for Colorado.
- Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood made 29 saves, helping Colorado claim their third consecutive win and extend their point streak to 5-0-2.
Vancouver Scorers and Goalkeeping
- Linus Karlsson, Kiefer Sherwood, Drew O'Connor, and Jake DeBrusk each scored for Vancouver.
- Kevin Lankinen stopped 27 shots for the Canucks.
Overtime Winning Goal and Critical Moments
In overtime, Brindley netted the game-winner by scoring on the rebound of his own shot. MacKinnon assisted on the goal despite having left the ice, marking his fifth point of the game.
MacKinnon’s contribution gave him an NHL-leading 29 points this season.
Late in the game, DeBrusk tied the score 4-4 with a power-play goal, redirecting Brock Boeser's shot past Blackwood with 3:01 remaining.
Third Period Highlights
- Lehkonen gave Colorado a 3-2 lead just 28 seconds into the third period with a redirected pass from Brent Burns.
- Drew O'Connor tied the game for Vancouver with a short-handed goal at 7:26 from the left circle.
- Lehkonen scored his second goal during a Colorado power play at 9:47, capitalizing on a rebound for a 4-3 lead.
This victory marks an important momentum boost for the Avalanche as they continue their strong season performance.
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