MacKinnon Nets 5 Points as Avalanche Beat Canucks 5-4 in Overtime
By Jim Morris
Game Summary
VANCOUVER — Gavin Brindley scored 68 seconds into overtime, securing a 5-4 NHL victory for the Colorado Avalanche against the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday night.
Jake DeBrusk of Vancouver forced overtime by deflecting a Brock Boeser pass during a power play with 3:01 left in the third period.
Key Performances
- Artturi Lehkonen scored twice in the third period for Colorado, including a power play goal.
- Nathan MacKinnon scored two goals within 1:28 in the first period, one on a power play, and contributed three assists, totaling five points for the game.
- Valeri Nichushkin added two assists for the Avalanche.
- Cale Makar, the league’s top-scoring defenseman with 21 points (6 goals, 15 assists), recorded two assists.
Canucks Scorers
- Drew O’Connor scored short-handed.
- Linus Karlsson executed a notable goal with a between-the-legs play.
- Kiefer Sherwood scored his team-leading 10th goal off a turnover.
Team Context and Goalkeeping
Both teams arrived following wins on Saturday night: Vancouver defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3, and Colorado dominated the Edmonton Oilers 9-1.
- Kevin Lankinen, starting for his second consecutive night, made 27 saves for Vancouver.
- Avalanche goalie Mackenzie Blackwood made 29 saves.
Additional Notes
Canucks' starting goalie Thatcher Demko missed the game for the second straight match after missing Friday’s practice. Head coach Adam Foote mentioned Demko might return Tuesday against the Winnipeg Jets.
"He could play Tuesday against the visiting Winnipeg Jets," said coach Adam Foote.
Summary: Nathan MacKinnon's outstanding five-point effort propelled the Avalanche to a close overtime win against the Canucks, showcasing strong contributions from multiple players on both sides.
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