The Colorado Avalanche won a 5-2 game over the Seattle Kraken on the strength of Joel Kiviranta’s first career hat trick. The win sends the Avs into the Christmas break on a three-game winning streak and 7-3-0 in their last 10.
The Avs are rolling and have capitalized on other teams’ misfortunes. The Avalanche are now firmly entrenched in third place in the Central Division after that horrendous 0-4 start to the year.
Yes, the injuries played a significant role in the Avs’ struggles early in the season. But one of the players that’s stuck through thick and thin has been Joel Kiviranta.
When injuries were at their peak, Kiviranta moved up to the top six at times. While he didn’t necessarily impress in the top six, he’s been a soldier. He’s been a worker bee who’s found ways to stay in the lineup.
On Sunday night, he rewarded the Colorado Avalanche coaching staff with a three-goal performance. Kiviranta notched two empty-netters when the game was at its closest point.
Now, some may look down on Kiviranta’s hat trick by saying that he got two empty-net goals. Sure, he did get two empty-netters, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he was on the ice during the final moments of the game as the Avs clung to a one-goal lead.
Kiviranta played tough and allowed the Avs to get a 4-2 lead. The Kraken decided to pull the goalie again as they felt there was enough time for another push. Kiviranta promptly made the pay again by scoring on the open cage.
In the end, the Avalanche are riding a hot streak at the right time. But there is another Avalanche player who is heating up at the right time.
MacKenzie Blackwood backstopped the Colorado Avalanche to Sunday night win
Since coming over to Colorado, MacKenzie Blackwood has passed the eye test by a mile. He’s looked sharp. Most importantly, he’s looked consistent. In fact, it seems that Blackwood looks determined to show the Colorado Avalanche they were right to trade for him.
In his four games with the Avalanche, Blackwood has a 2.00 GAA and a .925 SV% to go with three wins. The 28-year-old looks like his career has been resurrected after spending parts of two seasons in purgatory with the San Jose Sharks.
After the game, coach Jared Bednar had this to say about Blackwood’s attitude and work ethic:
“He’s got that starter’s attitude… he’s really competitive and hard on himself like it’s never anyone else’s fault. He understands he’s the last line of defense and he expects to stop every puck.”
While it’s impossible for Blackwood to stop every shot, the attitude and drive to do so are there. That competitive edge has gotten through to the team. Now, we see a Colorado Avalanche team playing with much more confidence in knowing they’ve got a top-tier goaltender that has their backs.
With that sort of momentum heading into 2025, the Colorado Avalanche could become one of the most dangerous teams in the NHL.