MacKinnon nets 5 points as Avalanche beat Canucks 5-4 in overtime
By Jim Morris
VANCOUVER — Gavin Brindley sealed a 5-4 victory for the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday night, scoring just 68 seconds into overtime against the Vancouver Canucks.
Jake DeBrusk pushed the game into overtime for Vancouver, deflecting a pass from Brock Boeser on a power play with 3:01 left in regulation.
Third Period Action
Artturi Lehkonen found the net twice in the third period, including a goal on the power play, helping Colorado regain momentum. Nathan MacKinnon scored twice early in the first period — just 1:28 apart — also adding three assists for a remarkable five-point game.
Supporting Contributions
- Valeri Nichushkin had two assists for the Avalanche, now leading the NHL with a 10-1-5 record.
- Cale Makar, the league’s top-scoring defenseman with six goals and 15 assists, contributed two more helpers.
Canucks Highlights
- Drew O’Connor scored short-handed.
- Linus Karlsson tallied with an impressive between-the-legs goal.
- Kiefer Sherwood capitalized on a turnover for his team-leading 10th goal of the season, bringing the Canucks to an 8-8-1 record.
Goaltending and Team Notes
Kevin Lankinen made 27 saves for Vancouver in his second consecutive start, while Avs goalie Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 29 shots. Goaltender Thatcher Demko missed his second straight game for the Canucks but could return Tuesday, head coach Adam Foote said.
“Thatcher could play Tuesday against the visiting Winnipeg Jets,” said Adam Foote.
Both teams had victories the night before: Vancouver edged Columbus 4-3 at home, and Colorado dominated Edmonton 9-1.
Author’s Summary
MacKinnon’s five-point night powered Colorado past Vancouver in overtime, keeping the Avalanche atop the league standings after a thrilling, high-paced game.