Gavin Brindley Scores in OT as Avalanche Edge Canucks
Gavin Brindley scored just 1:08 into overtime, leading the Colorado Avalanche to a 5–4 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday night in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Nathan MacKinnon recorded two goals and three assists, taking the NHL scoring lead. Artturi Lehkonen also netted two goals, while Valeri Nichushkin and Cale Makar each provided two assists for Colorado. Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood made 29 saves as the Avalanche claimed their third consecutive win and extended their point streak to 5-0-2.
Scoring Summary
- Colorado: Lehkonen (2), MacKinnon (2), Brindley (OT)
- Vancouver: Karlsson, Sherwood, O’Connor, DeBrusk
Kevin Lankinen stopped 27 shots for Vancouver. In the extra frame, Brindley converted his own rebound following a shot assisted by MacKinnon, who had just left the ice but still earned the helper—his fifth point of the night and 29th of the season.
Game Highlights
“It was a hard-fought game. We found a way to finish it strong,” said Avalanche forward Gavin Brindley.
Jake DeBrusk tied the game 4–4 with a power-play goal at 3:01 remaining, deflecting Brock Boeser’s shot past Blackwood. Earlier, Lehkonen gave Colorado a 3–2 lead only 28 seconds into the third with a redirection of a pass from Brent Burns. O’Connor equalized with a short-handed goal at 7:26, beating Blackwood from the left circle. Lehkonen responded again on a rebound at 9:47, making it 4–3 before DeBrusk’s late equalizer forced overtime.
Author’s Summary
Colorado’s resilience and Brindley’s overtime finish sealed a thrilling 5–4 victory, with MacKinnon’s stellar five-point night propelling the Avalanche to another win streak.