The Colorado Avalanche might have a1A-1B situation at the goaltender position with Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood. Both goalies have had their moment to shine during the regular season. While there were some poor games, those were very rarely blamed on the guys between the pipes.
Wedgewood got the nod in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Kings, and did remarkably. He allowed just one goal, with it being late in the third period and up by two. That game ended 2-1. He stopped 24 of 25 shots on goal. The Avalanche did just enough offensively to push past the Kings.
It is expected that Wedgewood will get the nod for Game 2.
With more offense, we could see an even better Wedgewood for Game 2. Games sometimes become easier as they go on. While the intensity picks up, so can the play of the goaltender. Knowing that you have the confidence in yourself and your teammates will help each other play well.
As a goaltender in the NHL, getting to play consecutive starts is second nature. In the past, Wedgewood was the backup for most of his career. This season, he got the opportunity to play in 45 games with 43 starts. He had only started more than 20 games twice in his previous years with other teams.
Blackwood’s offseason surgery and inability to go at the start of the season was a big break for Wedgewood, who was going into the season as their backup prior to the Blackwood news. It’s given him the ability to become more confident in himself. You never want to see anyone be out for an extended period of time, but this was the best thing to happen for Wedgewood.
There is still confidence in Blackwood, however. He had a goal-against average (GAA) of 2.51 this regular season, and had a save percentage of .904. The combination of the two goaltenders earned the Avalanche the Jennings award.
Though Wedgewood should get the start in Game 2, it appears that Jared Bednar cannot go wrong with either option at this point. Hopefully that remains the case for the team’s entire postseason run. If it does, the Avalanche will continue to be the clear-cut favourites to win the Stanley Cup, something that has been talked about all season because of their dominant regular season which earned them the Presidents’ trophy.
The Avalanche will go as far as their goaltending takes them.
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