MacKenzie Blackwood
MacKenzie Blackwood is the most important player on the Avalanche roster. That’s not hyperbole nor is it clickbait. It’s a stark reality for the Avs.
Blackwood, along with Scott Wedgewood, were brought in to solidify the crease. After the lackluster performances of Justus Annunen and Alexandar Georgiev, the Avs needed to find a permanent solution. Thus far, it seems that Blackwood has provided just that.
However, there could be room to doubt that Blackwood is for real. For instance, one could assume that Blackwood’s solid beginning in Colorado is a product of that bump players get when traded from a non-contender to a true contending team.
Perhaps that boost wears off and the macKenzie Blackwood the New Jersey Devils gave up on resurfaces. Perhaps it’s the complete opposite. The potential that Blackwood once displayed in New Jersey emerges, making Blackwood the true number-one guy the Avs have needed all year.
That’s the crucial issue here. As go Blackwood and Wedgewood, so will the Avs. If the two Avalanche netminders provide consistent outings, the Avalanche will continue to climb the standings. But if one or both netminders falter, the Avalanche could find themselves in a tough spot throughout 2025.
Personally, it seems that Blackwood is for real. He’s no fluke. Blackwood was pressured into the starting role in New Jersey before he was ready. Blackwood never really got going in San Jose because of the atrocious team playing in front of him.
In Colorado, things are different. There is a top-tier coach, a championship-caliber team in front of him, and a solid system that’s been proven to be effective.
Plus, Blackwood is playing for a new contract. With all those factors coming together, the conditions are set for MacKenzie Blackwood and the Colorado Avalanche to make a deep playoff run, if not contend for the Stanley Cup.