No Valeri Nichushkin, no problem for Gavin Brindley, new-look Avalanche second line

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (4) skates the puck around the met against Colorado Avalanche center Gavin Brindley (54) in the first period at Ball Arena in Denver on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)Mackenzie Blackwood has uncovered the key to Gavin Brindley’s success.

Brindley, who has evolved from training camp surprise to NHL regular to fill-in second-line forward in a hurry, had a goal and an assist Thursday night to help the Colorado Avalanche machine roll on in a 6-3 win against the Buffalo Sabres at Ball Arena.

“He’s played amazing,” Blackwood said. “I’m very impressed with him. But I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. He’s got a little Thunder Bay in…