Gavin Brindley's Overtime Goal Secures Win for Avalanche
Gavin Brindley scored 1:08 into overtime, leading the Colorado Avalanche to a 5-4 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday night. Brindley carried the puck into the Vancouver zone and fired a shot on goaltender Kevin Lankinen, who was unable to control the rebound. Brindley then tapped the puck between Lankinen's legs to clinch Colorado's first win in six games that went beyond regulation.
Key Player Performances
- Nathan MacKinnon recorded two goals and three assists, marking his second straight game with at least four points.
- Artturi Lehkonen scored twice.
- Valeri Nichushkin contributed two assists.
- Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood made 29 saves in his second start of the season.
“MacKinnon now leads the NHL in points (29) and goals (14).”
The Avalanche have won five of their last six games and secured at least one point in every contest during that stretch.
Canucks' Efforts and Goals
- Jake DeBrusk, Drew O'Connor, Kiefer Sherwood, and Linus Karlsson each scored a goal for Vancouver.
- Kevin Lankinen made 27 saves.
- This was the Canucks' first regulation loss after four straight games without one.
MacKinnon’s Franchise Achievement
MacKinnon opened the scoring at 6:41 of the first period with a one-timer set up by Nichushkin, and added his second goal just 1:29 later with a wrist shot past Lankinen.
“The second goal was the 381st of MacKinnon’s career, moving him past Peter Stastny for third place in franchise history.”
Joe Sakic (625 goals) and Michel Goulet (456 goals) remain first and second on the franchise scoring list.
Gavin Brindley’s timely overtime goal capped a strong team effort that extended Colorado’s streak of solid performances beyond regulation.