The Colorado Avalanche dropped a tough 3-2 overtime decision against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday afternoon. Philipp Kurashev delivered the death blow 1:48 into the extra frame to lift the Sharks past the Avalanche.
Despite the sour ending, the silver lining was the return of MacKenzie Blackwood to the ice. Blackwood hadn’t played all season due to a lower-body injury. In his place, Scott Wedgewood held the starting role, with Trent Miner getting a couple of spot starts.
Blackwood’s return on Saturday provided Avalanche fans with a much-needed dose of certainty moving forward. Without him, one of the Avalanche’s strengths became significantly diminished. With Blackwood back and healthy, Colorado can now focus on getting the job done in front of him.
Moving forward, the Avalanche will likely split the starts between Wedgewood and Blackwood. The last thing the Avalanche want at this point is to overburden Blackwood, potentially reaggravating the lower-body issues he dealt with earlier this season.
The Avalanche next play on Tuesday at home against the Tampa Bay Lightning. So, there’s a good chance fans will get to see Blackwood back in the saddle, given the two days in between games.
Avalanche will need both goalies sharp next weekend
The Colorado Avalanche have a bit of a light week ahead. The only weekday game is Tuesday’s tilt against the Lightning. After that, the Avalanche will play a back-to-back set on the West Coast.
Colorado will face the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday at Rogers Place, then the Canucks on Sunday at Rogers Arena. As such, the Avalanche will need both Wedgewood and Blackwood sharp and ready for next weekend.
Assuming that Blackwood gets the call on Tuesday, he could also get the nod on Saturday. That would leave Wedgewood ready to take over on Sunday. The Avs will then play again on Tuesday in Anaheim. So, it’s likely Blackwood hits the ice again against the Ducks to close out the team’s road trip.
Overall, the Avalanche got Blackwood back at the most crucial time possible. That’s great news for a team that’s been consistently among the NHL’s best this season.