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MacKenzie Blackwood makes early Save of the Year against Flames

Colorado Avalanche netminder MacKenzie Blackwood just made an early Save of the Year, robbing the Calgary Flames at Ball Arena.
ByNestor Quixtan
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Oct 13, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (39) looks on during the game between the Stars and the Avalanche at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Oct 13, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (39) looks on during the game between the Stars and the Avalanche at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

There wasn’t much of a surprise when MacKenzie Blackwood got the call on Saturday night against the Calgary Flames.

But when the Colorado Avalanche netminder robbed Flames forward Matt Coronato late in the first period, Blackwood entered his first submission for Save of the Year.

Here’s a look at the mind-shocking save:

Blackwood made a desperate sprawl, hoping to stop Coronato’s shot from hitting the back of the open net. Miraculously, Blackwood reached out and found the puck hit his glove, stopping the scoring chance.

No one, especially Coronato, could believe the save. The immediate ovation from the Avalanche faithful at Ball Arena acknowledged the tremendous save.

The stop preserved a 1-0 Avalanche lead as the first period expired, sending Colorado to the dressing room with the lead following 20 minutes of play.

The save was just what the Avs needed, as they blew the game open in the second period, leaving little doubt about the final score.

MacKenzie Blackwood has quietly had enormous season

MacKenzie Blackwood has quietly had one heck of a season. The Avalanche netminder hit the ground running this season. And while he had a couple of hiccups in his first starts of the year, he’s really settled into the crease this season.

There is no question that Blackwood has become the crucial factor in keeping the Avalanche afloat amid glaring inconsistency. The Avs have had several games in which their defensive play has been sloppy, while the scoring hasn’t always been there.

That’s why Blackwood has been the stabilizing presence for the club this season.

And if he keeps playing the way he has, it wouldn’t be surprising to hear rumblings of Blackwood entering the Vezina Trophy conversation.

Why not? He’s clearly shown he’s the undisputed starter this season. But it’s been his overall presence that has kept the Avalanche within striking distance of the Central Division lead.

Yes, it may be way too soon to declare Blackwood a Vezina candidate at this point. But it’s tough to find another goaltender who has had the sort of impact Blackwood has had for the Avalanche.

Regardless of whether he gets Vezina consideration, the Avalanche hope that MacKenzie Blackwood can just keep chugging along. If that’s the case, the Avs will be in a prime position to roll into the 2027 Stanley Cup with one of the best chances to take home their second championship in half a decade.

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