MacKinnon nets five points as Avalanche beat Canucks 5–4 in overtime
VANCOUVER — Gavin Brindley scored just 68 seconds into overtime, giving the Colorado Avalanche a 5–4 NHL victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday night.
Vancouver’s Jake DeBrusk forced overtime by redirecting a Brock Boeser pass on a power play with 3:01 remaining in regulation.
Key Performances
- Artturi Lehkonen scored twice in the third period, one of them on the power play.
- Nathan MacKinnon netted two rapid goals within 1:28 in the opening period and contributed three assists, totaling five points.
- Valeri Nichushkin added two assists for Colorado, which now leads the NHL standings with a 10–1–5 record.
- Cale Makar, leading all defensemen with 21 points (six goals, 15 assists), recorded two more assists.
Scorers for Vancouver
- Drew O’Connor scored short-handed.
- Linus Karlsson tallied a highlight-reel goal with a move between his legs.
- Kiefer Sherwood capitalized on a turnover for his team-leading 10th goal of the year.
Goaltending and Team Notes
Kevin Lankinen, making his second straight start, stopped 27 shots for Vancouver. Mackenzie Blackwood made 29 saves for Colorado.
Both teams played on consecutive nights. On Saturday, Vancouver edged Columbus 4–3, while Colorado routed Edmonton 9–1. Vancouver goalie Thatcher Demko missed his second game after sitting out practice on Friday.
“Nathan MacKinnon led the charge with five points, proving once again why he’s among the league’s elite.”
Author’s Summary
MacKinnon’s five-point performance and Brindley’s quick overtime goal powered the Avalanche past the Canucks in a thrilling 5–4 finish.