MacKinnon Leads Avalanche to Overtime Win Against Canucks
Last night at Rogers Arena, the Colorado Avalanche staged a thrilling comeback to defeat the Vancouver Canucks 5-4 in overtime, thanks to an incredible performance from Nathan MacKinnon and a clutch game-winner by rookie Gavin Brindley. MacKinnon was the star of the night, recording two goals and three assists, marking his fifth point of the game and continuing an incredible nine-game point streak. With 14 goals and 29 points this season, he now leads the NHL in both categories, driving the Avalanche to a 10-1-5 record.
The game was a rollercoaster from the start. MacKinnon opened the scoring at 6:41 of the first period, finishing a rush initiated by defenseman Cale Makar. Shortly after, he added a power-play goal, putting Colorado up 2-0. Vancouver fought back, with Linus Karlsson and Kiefer Sherwood scoring to tie the game at 2-2 in the second period. The third period saw multiple lead changes, highlighted by two goals from Artturi Lehkonen for the Avalanche and a late equalizer from Jake DeBrusk for Vancouver, setting the stage for a dramatic overtime finish.
Overtime delivered exactly what fans hoped for. On his very first shift of extra time, 21-year-old Gavin Brindley scored the decisive goal, chipping the puck through Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen. It was Brindley’s second goal in two games since returning from a concussion, and it snapped Colorado’s recent overtime slump. The young rookie’s performance has firmly cemented his spot in the Avalanche lineup, showing poise and determination well beyond his years.
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Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood made 29 saves in his second start of the season, helping his team secure a third straight victory and extend their point streak to seven games. Despite some early struggles, coach Jared Bednar praised the team’s resilience and highlighted the contributions from players who stepped up when needed. “Power play comes up big with a couple goals, penalty kill survives, and we found a way on a great second effort by Brindley,” Bednar said. His win also marked a personal milestone, becoming just the 42nd coach in NHL history to reach 400 victories, all with the same team.
The Canucks, meanwhile, continue to oscillate between wins and losses, with this latest defeat extending their streak of alternating results to nine games. Lankinen, filling in for the absent No. 1 goalie Thatcher Demko, made 27 saves and showed great effort despite the overtime loss.
MacKinnon’s performance was historic. He not only passed Peter Stastny for third in Avalanche/Nordiques franchise goals but also notched his 11th career five-point game, surpassing Joe Sakic for second-most in franchise history. Meanwhile, Cale Makar maintained his impressive streak of recording at least one point in all 10 road games this season, continuing to set a team record.
In the end, it was a night defined by resilience, star power, and clutch rookie heroics. Colorado’s comeback showcased their depth and determination, and fans were reminded once again why this Avalanche team is considered one of the NHL’s elite.
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