Wedgewood wins goalie duel, Colorado Avalanche pull out dominant SO win

The Colorado Avalanche pulled out a dominant win in a playoff-style game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night at Ball Arena. The Avs took home a 3-2 win in the shootout, riding a stellar performance from Scott Wedgewood.

While the Avalanche got off to a rough start, falling behind 2-0, the club poured on the offense, getting goals from Valeri Nichushkin and Jimmy Vesey to send the game to overtime. Nichushkin’s goal was a controversial one as it had appeared that Vegas netminder Akira Schmid had made a great glove save.

However, the video review determined that Schmid had caught the puck after it had crossed the goal line, leading to the call on the ice being overturned. Here’s a look:

Nichushkin’s goal got the Avalanche on the board in the second, eventually leading to Vesey’s first goal with the Avalanche, the equalizer with less than three minutes left in the middle frame.

Let’s take a look:

Vesey scored his first goal and registered his first point in a Colorado jersey in seven games since coming over from the New York Rangers at the trade deadline.

The game went to overtime, solving nothing. It was in the shootout where Scott Wedgewood shined, stopping all three shooters he faced to set up Charlie Coyle for the game-winner.

It’s worth pointing out that the Avalanche put 36 pucks on Schmid, who was, frankly, brilliant for the Golden Knights. Had it not been for Schmid, the Avalanche could have blown out the Knights.

Instead, fans got to see what a Western Conference Final would look like between the Avs and Golden Knights.

Wedgewood provides calming presence for Colorado Avalanche heading into playoffs

One of the biggest questions heading into the 2025 NHL playoffs is MacKenzie Blackwood’s lack of playoff experience. Blackwood has yet to lead a team into the postseason. As a result, having an experienced netminder like Scott Wedgewood waiting in the wings will be crucial for the Avalanche.

Specifically, the Avs know they can turn to Wedgewood if Blackwood needs a break. Considering how grueling the postseason can be, teams need a reliable backup to spell their starter. This situation is especially true when playoff series go to seven games.

It’s worth pointing out that teams rarely have one goalie they can ride the entire postseason. Last year, Sergei Bobrovsky played every minute of every game for the Florida Panthers on their Cup run.

That’s an anomaly. Most teams need to have a reliable backup to come in, especially when there are few rest days in between games. That is why having Scott Wedgewood could be the difference between an early exit and a prolonged playoff run in 2025 for the Colorado Avalanche.