Between November 30 and December 9, the Avalanche brought about a seismic change in their roster. In less than 10 days, they have revamped their goalkeeping duo, making two signings. On November 30, they acquired goaltender Scott Wedgwood from the Nashville Predators for goaltender Justus Annonen and a 2025 sixth-round pick. On December 9, the Avs acquired goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, forward Givani Smith, and a 2027 fifth-round pick from the San Jose Sharks for goaltender Goalie Alexander Georgiev, forward Nikolay Kovalenko, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2025 fifth-round pick. .
Not only is the Avalanche hoping this new duo performs well on the ice, but president of hockey operations Joe Sakic, general manager Chris McFarland and head coach Jared Bednar are looking for them to be a personality that fits with the group.
“We felt like both Scott Wedgwood and Mackenzie Blackwood worked in that area,” McFarland said.
On the ice, things went well for the team, largely due to the play of their new goaltenders. On December 3, Wedgewood made his Avs debut in relief and made 22 saves as the Burgundy and Blue overcame a 4-0 deficit to win 5-4. Five days later, he recorded a shutout 25 saves against the New Jersey Devils in the second half of a back-to-back. To close out the team's five-game road trip two days later, Wedgewood stopped 25 of 27 shots in a 6-2 win over the Penguins.
In his only start for the Avalanche so far, Blackwood stopped 37 of 39 shots and was the game's first star in a 5-2 win over the Predators on Saturday, holding Nashville scoreless through the first 47:03 of the game.
Between his 20 appearances with the Sharks and Avalanche, Blackwood posted a .912 save percentage and a 2.95 goals-against average.
“We think there's some untapped potential in it,” McFarland said. “As he grows as a goalkeeper. But we're very excited to add him. He's a big body. He's athletic. We think he'll fit in well stylistically with our style of play.”
Overall, the Avalanche's new duo has posted a 4-2-0 record, and the team enters Monday's game in the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
Blackwood said being traded to the Avalanche was somewhat nostalgic, as he grew up an Avs fan and said Sakic was his favorite player. He added that he is excited to be in Colorado and that his game is in a good place now.
“I feel like I'm starting to get better as time goes on [on]Blackwood said. “So I feel like I've come a long way, and I think that's what this team needs and I'm excited to try and come up with some tough goals.”
The Avalanche are looking for consistency at the goaltending position, and Blackwood said that's something he's been working on a lot lately.
“You're not going to have those great nights every night,” Blackwood said. “But as long as you play a second-rate game at worst, you can win.”
Regarding his personality, Blackwood said he always tries to be himself.
“If you ask anyone I've played with,” Blackwood said. “I'm always the same guy. [I’m] Pretty outgoing. I just try to be myself and bring a good presence to the room. So far, everywhere I've gone, people have seemed to appreciate it. So hopefully I can continue to bring that here.”
This isn't the first time Blackwood and Wedgwood have played on the same NHL team, as they both played for the New Jersey Devils in the 2021 season. Blackwood said Wedgwood is a great guy.
“[He’s] “I'm kind of gay,” Blackwood said. “He is outgoing, easy to talk to, and friendly. [and] Just brightens the mood a little. It's nice to have guys like that around you. It makes every day a little better.”
With the Avalanche, Wedgewood posted a 3-2-0 record with a .931 save percentage and 1.92 goals-against average. Throughout the league, he earned a solid reputation in the locker room. He said players in the Avalanche's locker room may not have talked as much since his arrival.
“I think a lot of people started saying more once another voice was injected,” Wedgwood said. “And I hope that's the kind of vibe they get from me now.”
With how tough the season has been, he said he's trying to make his personality useful in the locker room.
“[If] “You won't have fun coming to the rink, you won't be able to have fun on the ice,” Wedgwood said.
When the Avs acquired Blackwood, Wedgewood said he was excited and that the two goalies were friends. He added that although neither goalkeeper will give up the net, they will be each other's biggest fans.
“Whatever the rotation is, I want to help,” Wedgwood said.
2024-12-17 01:55:40
