Tue Apr 22 04:40:00 UTC 2025: **Avalanche Goalie Blackwood Faces Playoff Baptism by Fire**
DENVER, CO – The Colorado Avalanche’s playoff hopes rest, in part, on the broad shoulders of goalie Mackenzie Blackwood. With zero playoff starts under his belt, Blackwood enters the first round against the Dallas Stars facing intense scrutiny. While his regular season stats – a .912 save percentage and a 22-12-3 record – are impressive, the pressure of postseason hockey is a different beast.
Teammates express confidence in Blackwood, highlighting his calm demeanor and reliability. Coach Jared Bednar emphasizes Blackwood’s consistency throughout the season, suggesting his regular-season performance is a reliable predictor of playoff success. Defenseman Cale Makar calls him a “backbone” for the team. Even star Nathan MacKinnon, while admitting uncertainty, acknowledges Blackwood’s strong performance since joining the Avalanche.
Blackwood’s calm confidence contrasts sharply with the anxieties of the playoffs. He dismisses the need to “calm down,” preferring to focus on “picking it up.” This relaxed attitude, shared with backup goalie Scott Wedgewood, creates a positive locker room dynamic, described as a “buddy cop” vibe by teammates.
The contrast with Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger, who boasts 45 playoff starts, is stark. However, the Avalanche believe Blackwood’s consistent performance, coupled with his imposing size and unflappable nature, will translate into success. The team’s faith stems not from hype, but from a consistent track record of solid play. The playoffs will be the ultimate test of that belief.
First Piper 