A friendly rivalry is developing in the NHL between two goaltenders. Initially, Mackenzie Blackwood was the favored goalie and even considered a potential Olympic contender. However, after an offseason surgery slowed his recovery, other names began to surface. One unexpected standout is Scott Wedgewood, who has emerged as possibly the NHL’s top goalie this season. TSN’s Darren Dreger recently announced that Team Canada has included Wedgewood on its Olympic longlist.
Wedgewood’s impressive performance didn’t just start this season—his turnaround began last year after being traded to the Colorado Avalanche from the Nashville Predators. In 19 games during the 2024-25 season, he posted career-best stats with a 1.99 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. This year, the 33-year-old continues to excel, leading the NHL in wins with a strong 13-1-2 record over 17 games, along with a .918 save percentage and a 2.21 goals-against average, showing potential improvement due to a larger sample size.
Blackwood, 28, has faced some early struggles this season, prompting Avalanche coach Jared Bednar to challenge him to raise his game, while still expressing confidence in his abilities. Blackwood quickly responded with a 35-save shutout against the Predators on November 22, followed by Wedgewood’s 1-0 shutout win over the Chicago Blackhawks the next day.
The Avalanche currently hold the best NHL record at 16-1-5 and benefit from having two elite goalies competing not only for the team’s starting job but also for a spot on Canada’s Olympic team. This competition is underscored by mutual respect, with both players celebrating each other’s successes and pushing each other to excel. Blackwood has continued to build momentum with a 3-0-1 record, a 2.47 goals-against average, and a .911 save percentage in four games this season, strengthening his case for Olympic selection.
Their history adds another layer to the rivalry—Wedgewood once backed up Blackwood when he was starting for the New Jersey Devils, the team that drafted both players. This unique, historic contest between two goaltenders vying simultaneously for starting and Olympic spots is something the hockey world hadn’t seen before, making it an exciting storyline.
The big question remains: will Team Canada select the seasoned veteran or the rising talent? Both players are motivated and determined, and neither intends to give up without a fight.
Blackwood has another opportunity to prove his Olympic worth when the Avalanche face his former team, the San Jose Sharks, at Ball Arena tonight, with puck drop at 7 p.m. local time.
Fan Take: This intriguing goalie duel adds an electrifying subplot to the NHL season, showcasing the importance of resilience and healthy competition within a team. For hockey fans, it highlights how unpredictably exciting the battle for Olympic spots can be, potentially shaping future Canadian team rosters and inspiring young athletes aiming for greatness.
