Brindley OT Goal Lifts Avalanche Over Canucks 5-4
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By Doug Hirdle
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Summary:
- Gavin Brindley scored 68 seconds into overtime to secure the Colorado Avalanche’s 5-4 win against the Vancouver Canucks.
- Nathan MacKinnon had five points, moving past Peter Stastny for third on Colorado’s all-time goals list.
- Canucks will meet the Winnipeg Jets at home on Tuesday.
Gavin Brindley scored just 68 seconds into overtime to give the Colorado Avalanche a thrilling 5-4 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday night in the NHL.
MacKinnon Scored Twice in Under 2 Minutes
Vancouver forced the extra period with a late goal from Jake DeBrusk, who redirected a Brock Boeser pass on the power play with just over three minutes left in the third.
Colorado got contributions from multiple players throughout the game. Artturi Lehkonen scored twice in the third period, including one on the power play, to help keep the Avalanche ahead.
Nathan MacKinnon had a standout performance, scoring twice in just 1:28 during the first period, one of those on the power play, and adding three assists for a five-point night.
Valeri Nichushkin recorded two assists, and Cale Makar, who leads all NHL defensemen with 21 points, added two more helpers. Colorado improved to 10-1-5, the best record in the league.
Canucks Fell to 8-8-1
The Canucks also had key moments. Drew O’Connor scored short-handed, Linus Karlsson pulled off a slick between-the-legs finish, and Kiefer Sherwood added his team-leading 10th goal off a turnover. Vancouver fell to 8-8-1, but the effort kept the game close.
Both teams were coming off wins Saturday, with Vancouver edging the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3, and Colorado dominating the Oilers 9-1 in Edmonton. Goaltenders played pivotal roles, with Kevin Lankinen stopping 27 shots for Vancouver, and Mackenzie Blackwood making 29 saves for Colorado.
For the Canucks, goalie Thatcher Demko sat out again after missing practice on Friday, though coach Adam Foote expects him to be available Tuesday against the Winnipeg Jets. Karlsson’s goal was his first in 14 games this season.
The win was a milestone for Colorado coach Jared Bednar, marking his 400th career victory. He is now the 42nd NHL coach to reach that mark and the 16th to do it with a single franchise.
MacKinnon’s two goals pushed him past Peter Stastny for third place on Colorado’s all-time scoring list with 381 career goals, trailing only Joe Sakic and Michel Goulet.
A key moment came early in the third when Lehkonen deflected a Brent Burns shot just 28 seconds in to give Colorado a 3-2 lead. He later converted a rebound off a Martin Necas shot while Vancouver’s Tom Willander was off for holding.
MacKinnon continues to pace the league with 29 points and 14 goals.
For hockey bettors live betting will be available as Avalanche will host the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday, while the Canucks will face the Winnipeg Jets at home the same night.
