There has been some talk this season about the apparent lack of certainty in the crease. A couple of shaky outings in the early going by MacKenzie Blackwood did little to fuel a sense of security regarding the Colorado Avalanche’s goaltending situation.
The comments by coach Jared Bednar regarding the need for timely saved didn’t help matter, either.
But over his last two starts, Blackwood has left it clear that there should be no controversy in the Avalanche’s goaltending hierarchy.
Blackwood has back-to-back wins, making 24 saves against the Dallas Stars and 30 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The two games, nonetheless, are very interesting situations given how different the battles were.
Against Dallas, Blackwood helped keep the Avs in the game while facing a tough divisional opponent.
In the game against the Penguins, it was a case of keeping the club in the game while they turned a disastrous first period around.
And that was the difference.
The fact that Blackwood held the game down long enough for the Avalanche offense to catch up allowed the club enough time to get back into the game.
After six games, the 29-year-old has four wins to go with a 2.86 GAA and an .891 SV%. Those are hardly spectacular numbers. But they’re good enough to show that the team can rely on him to be there when it needs him the most.
Scott Wedgewood is his usual reliable self
As for Scott Wedgewood, there’s really nothing to write home about. He’s been his usual reliable self, giving the Avalanche something to help them sleep at night.
In two starts this season, the veteran backup is 1-0-0 with a 2.40 GAA and a .902 SV%. Again, not quite Vezina Trophy numbers, but certainly good enough to help everyone in Avalanche Nation feel better about the goaltending situation.
And unlike last season, it seems the pecking order is clear. Wedgewood is the backup, as he watches Blackwood get the lion’s share of starts.
But there’s also something else to keep in mind.
Blackwood remains committed to the organization long-term. He has three more years on his current deal after this season, while Wedgewood is slated to become a UFA this summer. As such, you have to think that it’s clear where the organization’s vision lies.
Does that mean that Wedgewood will be on his way out? Not at all. But you certainly have to think that it’s clear Blackwood is the guy in Colorado. Unless something drastically changes, there is really no reason to think otherwise.
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