This page may contain affiliate links. If you click and sign up, make a deposit, or place a wager, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Avalanche's Mackenzie Blackwood: Limited workload in Sunday's preseason game
Rotowire
Blackwood stopped all seven shots he faced in 29:30 of ice time during Sunday's 4-1 preseason win over Utah.
Blackwood didn't have to do much in Sunday's exhibition opener, but he was perfect nonetheless. It was a good start for Blackwood, who is competing with Scott Wedgewood for the starting job ahead of the 2026-27 season. Regardless of who sees more starts this year, both Blackwood and Wedgewood are great fantasy options on a Colorado team that is expected to be one of the best in the NHL once again.
... See More... See Less
Avalanche's Mackenzie Blackwood: Starting in preseason opener
Rotowire
Blackwood will be between the home pipes during Sunday's exhibition matchup against the Mammoth, according to Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette.
The Avalanche have one of the best goaltending duos in the NHL, so Blackwood will certainly have competition for the No. 1 gig in the form of Scott Wedgewood. Wedgewood is coming off a career-best season, but it was reported Wednesday that Blackwood arrived at training camp in the best shape of his life, so head coach Jared Bednar has a good problem on his hands as far who will be in net on a nightly basis this season. Either way, Blackwood will be a strong fantasy option on one of the league's top teams.
... See More... See Less
Avalanche's Mackenzie Blackwood: Fit ahead of training camp
Rotowire
Blackwood arrived at training camp in the best shape of his life, according to head coach Jared Bednar, and will have the chance to earn the starting job, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports Wednesday.
When asked if he planned to rotate his goaltenders again, Bednar told reporters they'd enter the season with a clean slate. The 29-year-old Blackwood played in only 38 regular-season tilts, but he posted a solid 23-10-2 record with a 2.50 GAA and three shutouts. The door appears to be open for Blackwood to earn the No. 1 job back from Scott Wedgewood this year, and in an ideal scenario, Bednar seems to be looking for that result.
... See More... See Less
Avalanche's Mackenzie Blackwood: Can't save season
Rotowire
Blackwood stopped 24 of 26 shots in Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Golden Knights in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.
Blackwood put in a good performance, but the Avalanche's offense didn't give enough support in the season-ending loss. Blackwood ended up allowing eight goals on 73 shots over four playoff outings while most often playing second fiddle to Scott Wedgewood. Both goalies are under contract for next year, which may lead to a tandem approach in the Colorado crease once again if they play at a level similar to the one they displayed in 2025-26.
Avalanche's Mackenzie Blackwood: Set to start Game 4
Rotowire
Blackwood is expected to defend the road net against Vegas on Tuesday in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, according to Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette.
Blackwood made three appearances in Colorado's second-round series against Minnesota, surrendering six goals on 47 shots en route to a 1-0 record. Scott Wedgewood has struggled in three playoff defeats versus Vegas, allowing nine goals on 73 shots. As a result, the Avalanche will turn to Blackwood in an attempt to stave off elimination and force Game 5 back in Colorado on Thursday. The Golden Knights have amassed 3.73 goals per game this postseason.
Avalanche's Mackenzie Blackwood: Pulled after one period
Rotowire
Blackwood stopped 10 of 13 shots in Wednesday's 4-3 overtime win over the Wild in Game 5.
Blackwood got the start for the second game in a row, but a poor first period saw him replaced by Scott Wedgewood for the remainder of the game. The Avalanche overcame the 3-0 deficit Blackwood left behind, winning the series and earning a spot in the Western Conference Finals. Blackwood may be ticketed for backup duties to begin that series, which will see the Avalanche face the winner of the Golden Knights-Ducks series.
... See More... See Less
Avalanche's Mackenzie Blackwood: Expected to start in Game 5
Rotowire
Blackwood is slated to start at home against Minnesota in Game 5 on Wednesday, per Jesse Montano of Guerilla Sports.
Scott Wedgewood started in Colorado's first eight playoff games this year, but he was yanked from Saturday's 5-1 loss to Minnesota in Game 3 after allowing three goals on 12 shots. Blackwood stopped 12 of 13 shots in relief in that game, and then got the nod Monday, turning aside 19 of 21 shots en route to a 5-2 victory. Minnesota has averaged an impressive 3.80 goals per game in the 2026 postseason, but the Wild are down 3-1 in their series against Colorado.
... See More... See Less
Avalanche's Mackenzie Blackwood: Earns win in Game 4
Rotowire
Blackwood stopped 19 of 21 shots in Monday's 5-2 win over the Wild in Game 4.
Blackwood made his first start of the postseason, and while it wasn't a dominant performance, it was enough for the win. The 29-year-old hadn't started since April 14 versus the Flames. Blackwood could get a chance to string together some starts after earning this win, especially since it gave the Avalanche a 3-1 series lead that allows the team to tinker if necessary. Game 5 is in Colorado on Wednesday.
Avalanche's Mackenzie Blackwood: First off ahead of Game 4
Rotowire
Blackwood is expected to protect the road net against Minnesota on Monday in Game 4, according to Peter Baugh of The Athletic.
After occupying the starter's crease at Monday's morning skate and being the first goalie off the ice, Blackwood appears poised to make his first start this postseason. He stopped 12 of 13 shots in a relief appearance during Game 3's 5-1 loss to the Wild on Saturday. Blackwood posted a 23-10-2 record with three shutouts, a 2.50 GAA and a .904 save percentage in 38 outings during the 2025-26 regular season. Minnesota has amassed 36 goals in nine games this postseason.
Avalanche's Mackenzie Blackwood: Steady in relief appearance
Rotowire
Blackwood stopped 12 of 13 shots in relief of Scott Wedgewood in Saturday's 5-1 loss to the Wild in Game 3.
Blackwood put in a good performance over the better part of two periods. This was his first action this postseason after a regular season in which he had a 23-10-2 record with a 2.50 GAA and a .904 save percentage. Blackwood is in the playoffs for the second time in his career after he went 3-4 with a 2.71 GAA and an .892 save percentage over seven games in 2025. Wedgewood has been the better goalie so far, but it's not clear if Game 3 has caused head coach Jared Bednar to give Blackwood an extended look between the pipes.
Blackwood stopped 30 of 31 shots in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Flames.
Blackwood has been inconsistent down the stretch, posting a 2-2-1 record with a 3.07 GAA and an .892 save percentage over his past six outings. He has gone 23-10-2 this season with a 2.50 GAA and a .904 save percentage across 38 appearances. It's unclear whether Blackwood or Scott Wedgewood will start the first game of the playoffs.
... See More... See Less
Avalanche's Mackenzie Blackwood: Getting start in Calgary
Rotowire
Blackwood will guard the road goal versus the Flames on Tuesday.
Blackwood will get the nod after Scott Wedgewood started Monday in a 2-1 shootout win over the Oilers. The 29-year-old Blackwood has won just one of his last five outings, allowing 16 goals on 126 shots in that span. He's maintained his playing time for now, but if he continues to struggle, he could lose opportunities in the postseason.
10:14
0:32
1:07
4:48
1:48
1:32
1:18
0:44
3:02
1:02
8:57
1:50
1:27
1:15
1:44
1:45
0:44
0:48
1:20
