MacKinnon nets 5 points as Avalanche beat Canucks 5-4 in overtime
VANCOUVER — Gavin Brindley sealed the Colorado Avalanche’s 5-4 win over the Vancouver Canucks just 68 seconds into overtime on Sunday night.
Jake DeBrusk forced the extra frame for Vancouver, tipping in a Brock Boeser pass on a power play with only 3:01 remaining in regulation.
Key Performers
- Artturi Lehkonen scored twice in the third period for Colorado, including one on the power play.
- Nathan MacKinnon struck twice in just 1:28 during the first period and added three assists for a five-point game.
- Valeri Nichushkin recorded two assists for the league-leading Avalanche (10-1-5).
- Cale Makar provided two assists, boosting his totals to six goals and 15 assists for 21 points, leading all defensemen in the NHL.
Canucks Scorers
- Drew O’Connor scored short-handed.
- Linus Karlsson added a goal with a creative between-the-legs move.
- Kiefer Sherwood capitalized off a turnover, notching his team-leading 10th goal of the season.
Game Notes
- Both teams entered the matchup coming off Saturday night victories — Vancouver topped the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3, while Colorado routed the Edmonton Oilers 9-1.
- Vancouver goaltender Kevin Lankinen, starting on consecutive nights, made 27 saves. Avalanche netminder Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 29 shots.
“Goaltender Thatcher Demko did not dress for the second consecutive game after missing Friday’s practice.”
Author’s Summary
The Avalanche edged the Canucks in a fast-paced overtime thriller, powered by Nathan MacKinnon’s dominant five-point night and Brindley’s quick winning goal.