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 drove the puck into Vancouver’s end and took a shot on goaltender Kevin Lankinen. Unable to control the rebound, Lankinen watched as Brindley tapped the puck between his legs, giving Colorado its first overtime win in six games.
Key Player Performances
- Nathan MacKinnon contributed two goals and three assists.
- Artturi Lehkonen scored twice.
- Valeri Nichushkin added two assists.
- Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 29 shots in his second start of the season.
It was MacKinnon’s second consecutive game with at least four points. He now leads the NHL in both points (29) and goals (14). The Avalanche have won five of their last six games and have earned at least a point in each during that streak.
Canucks' Efforts and Updates
- Goals by Jake DeBrusk, Drew O'Connor, Kiefer Sherwood, and Linus Karlsson helped the Canucks stay competitive.
- Lankinen made 27 saves but suffered his first regulation loss in five games this season.
MacKinnon's Milestone
MacKinnon opened the scoring at 6:41 of the first period with a one-timer off a pass from Nichushkin. Just 1:29 later, he scored again with a wrist shot past Lankinen. That second goal marked MacKinnon’s 381st career goal, moving him past Peter Stastny for third place in franchise history. Joe Sakic (625) and Michel Goulet (456) hold the top spots on the list.
"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’s consistent performance highlights their strong form as they continue the season.
Author's summary: Gavin Brindley's overtime goal ended Colorado's six-game overtime win drought, with Nathan MacKinnon's milestone night driving the Avalanche's resurgence this season.