Two weeks ago, Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar had a less optimistic view of goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood. During the November 13th game against the Buffalo Sabers, Blackwood struggled early, allowing two quick goals—one after a defensive lapse involving former Avalanche defenseman Bowen Byram, and another due to a mix of shaky goaltending and defensive errors. After the game, Bednar expressed some tough love, emphasizing that Blackwood needed to take responsibility for his performance and that backup Scott Wedgewood, who was playing well, would continue to get opportunities.
Blackwood himself acknowledged the setback and agreed with the coach’s assessment, though he was hesitant to discuss details publicly. Since then, he has clearly turned things around. Despite the Avalanche’s offense faltering on recent road trips, the team still secured wins against the Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks. Notably, Blackwood shone in Nashville with a 35-save shutout, and then followed up with another shutout against his former team, the San Jose Sharks, proving his return to top form.
Bednar praised Blackwood’s progress, emphasizing the goaltender’s recovery from surgery this past offseason, which had slowed his preseason preparation. Bednar highlighted the importance of patience during Blackwood’s comeback, noting that Scott Wedgewood’s strong performances allowed them to give Blackwood the time he needed to regain his edge. Now, with both goaltenders firing on all cylinders, the Avalanche boast a formidable duo.
Despite early concerns about injuries to Blackwood and defenseman Samuel Girard, the team has emerged stronger, challenging the notion that they were vulnerable. Both Blackwood and Wedgewood may even compete for spots in the upcoming Winter Olympics, underscoring their elite status. Far from internal conflict, the real challenge for the Avalanche lies in outmatching the rest of the NHL. Blackwood’s return to peak performance has transformed the Avalanche into a more intimidating force.
Historic achievement accompanied Blackwood’s resurgence, as he became the seventh goaltender in Avalanche/Nordiques history to record consecutive shutouts, joining an elite group including legends like Patrick Roy. His recent shutouts against Colorado were a rare feat, reinforcing that his rust has been fully eradicated and his issues resolved.
Fan Take: Mackenzie Blackwood’s remarkable comeback not only boosts the Avalanche’s championship hopes but also highlights the resilience required to overcome injury setbacks in hockey. For fans, this signals an exciting season ahead where the team’s renewed strength, especially in goal, could shift the NHL landscape dramatically.
