Avalanche Aim to Get Goalie Blackwood Back on Track

Blackwood looks to regain top form as playoffs approach, with Wedgewood providing strong competition in net

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The Colorado Avalanche are hoping to get goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood back on track over the final month of the regular season, as the team prepares for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Blackwood has struggled at times, leading to increased playing time for backup Scott Wedgewood, who has performed well in recent games against top Western Conference opponents. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar acknowledges the internal pressure on Blackwood to respond, with the playoffs just weeks away.

Why it matters

The Avalanche will need strong goaltending from either Blackwood or Wedgewood to make a deep playoff run. Blackwood has the higher ceiling, but Wedgewood has been the steadier option lately. Finding the right balance and getting Blackwood back to his best will be crucial for the Avalanche down the stretch.

The details

Blackwood, who went into Tuesday's game against the Oilers with a 2.36 Goals Against Average and a 91.1% save percentage, acknowledged he has "another level to get to." Bednar pulled Blackwood last Friday in Dallas after he gave up four goals on 11 shots, with Wedgewood coming in to finish the game and help the Avalanche win. Wedgewood then had a strong outing in a win over the Wild, leading Bednar to say he hopes the performance puts "more pressure" on Blackwood to respond.

  • Blackwood was pulled from the game against the Stars on March 3.
  • Wedgewood helped the Avalanche win the game against the Stars on March 3.
  • Wedgewood had a strong outing in the win over the Wild on March 5.

The players

Mackenzie Blackwood

The Avalanche's starting goaltender who is looking to regain his top form ahead of the playoffs.

Scott Wedgewood

The Avalanche's backup goaltender who has been playing well lately, providing strong competition for the starting job.

Jared Bednar

The head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, who is managing the goaltending situation and hoping to get the best out of both Blackwood and Wedgewood.

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What they’re saying

“If you're playing well or aren't playing well, it's about what's good for the team. I think the whole team knows what we're trying to do, what our goal is, so (it's about) whatever it takes to get there.”

— Mackenzie Blackwood, Avalanche Goaltender (Denver Post)

“I hope so, yeah. I mean, I think ... none (of that is) put on him by me, but I think that's kind of the mindset of our whole team. If you have a bad outing, you've got to respond and help our team win the next night as best you can.”

— Jared Bednar, Avalanche Head Coach (Denver Post)

“You want to make it hard for Jared to make that call?”

— Sean Keeler, Reporter (Denver Post)

“Well, yeah. I mean, I don't want to make it easy by going and (stinking). Obviously, you want to play your best. A coach's job is to make those decisions. And a player's job is to go do your best on the ice, make them have tough choices. So, yeah. It's pretty simple.”

— Mackenzie Blackwood, Avalanche Goaltender (Denver Post)

What’s next

The Avalanche will continue to evaluate Blackwood and Wedgewood's performances over the final month of the regular season, with the goal of having both goalies ready to contribute in the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Avalanche's goaltending situation is a delicate balance, with Blackwood's higher ceiling but Wedgewood's steadier play of late. Getting Blackwood back on track will be crucial for the team's playoff hopes, but they must also ensure Wedgewood is well-rested for the postseason run.