All it took for the Avalanche to conquer their overtime problems was to just let the kid on the ice.

Gavin Brindley, the youngest player on the Colorado roster, was the hero in overtime, scoring the game-winning goal to give the Avalanche their first win of the season in a game that went beyond regulation by a score of 5-4. With the overtime win, the Avalanche come home picking up four out of a possible four points during their quick two-game road trip to Canada.

Here are five takeaways from Colorado’s first overtime win of the season.

1. Nathan MacKinnon scored 51 goals just two seasons ago and looks like he’s well on his way to the second 50 goal season of his career. With 14 goals in just 16 games thus far, Mikko Rantanen’s record-breaking 55-goal season from a few years ago might also be in danger. It was a casual nine point weekend for the Avalanche superstar, who leads the NHL in scoring with 29 points.
2. When Logan O’Connor eventually returns to the lineup, which should happen relatively soon, how do you take Gavin Brindley out of the lineup? He’s done everything the staff has asked him to do and makes himself noticeable every single night. With the Avalanche struggling in the second period, Jared Bednar moved him up to the top line with MacKinnon and Artturi Lehkonen, and Brindley’s hard work drew the penalty that led to Colorado’s fourth goal. Given Colorado’s overtime struggles, it made sense to try Brindley, and wouldn’t you know it? Overtime winner for the 21-year-old.
3. Was the refereeing inconsistent on Sunday night? Yes. Were there multiple cross-checks on both sides that went uncalled? Also yes. That being said, Gabriel Landeskog can’t be cross-checking Quinn Hughes with less than five minutes remaining in a game you’ve got a one-goal lead in. Hughes definitely sold it, but you got to let it go and just skate to the bench. Judging by Landeskog’s reaction, he knew he made a mistake.
4. The 20-25 minute stretch after MacKinnon’s second goal might have been the worst stretch of the season for the Avalanche. They registered just five shots on goal while the Canucks put up over 20. When the Avalanche find themselves in trouble, it’s usually due to puck management issues, and that was the case for a lot of the second period.
5. Yes, he gave up four goals, but that was an encouraging performance from Mackenzie Blackwood. He held strong during the first two periods while the Avalanche were sloppy in their own end, particularly on the penalty kill. It’ll be interesting to see how Bednar handles the goaltending duties because they have to find a way to get Blackwood into a rhythm.