The Colorado Avalanche have been exceptional in the 2025-26 season. Currently, they hold an impressive record of 30 wins, 2 losses, and 7 overtime losses, trailing the Dallas Stars by just 10 points in the NHL rankings. The team is on a hot streak, having won their last nine games with no signs of slowing.
A key factor in their early success has been former San Jose Sharks goalie Mackenzie Blackwood. The 29-year-old has been outstanding this season and continues to improve as the year goes on.
Blackwood has played 16 games for the Avalanche, boasting a 13-1-1 record, a .924 save percentage, a 2.07 goals-against average, and two shutouts. He has also won his last seven starts, maintaining a save percentage above .920 in each outing, clearly showing he’s in top form.
Despite his stellar performance, Blackwood was surprisingly omitted from Team Canada’s Olympic roster, a decision that has left many hockey fans puzzled given his excellent 2025-26 season.
Fan Take: Blackwood’s exclusion from the Olympic team highlights how competitive and unpredictable selections can be, reminding fans that talent alone doesn’t always guarantee a spot. For the sport, this decision sparks important conversations about the criteria for national team selections and could shape how future rosters are formed.
