Avalanche Goaltender Blackwood Struggles as Backup Wedgewood Gains Ground

Blackwood's poor performance against the Canucks raises concerns about his hold on the starting job ahead of crucial games against the Stars

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:22am

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Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood had a forgettable outing against the Vancouver Canucks, giving up six goals on just 19 shots. The loss has put Blackwood's status as the team's starting goalie in jeopardy, with backup Jonas Wedgewood potentially taking over the role for upcoming crucial games against the Dallas Stars. Blackwood's save percentage has now dipped below .900 for the first time in months, raising questions about his confidence and ability to bounce back.

Why it matters

The Avalanche are in a tight race for playoff positioning, and their goaltending could be a key factor in determining their postseason success. Blackwood's struggles have opened the door for Wedgewood to potentially take over the starting job, which could have significant implications for the team's strategy and lineup heading into the playoffs.

The details

Blackwood's poor performance against the Canucks, who were on a six-game losing streak, included several goals that he should have saved. The last goal, a clean wrister from Brock Boeser, was the 'cherry on top' of a game that likely saw Blackwood's confidence falter. The Avalanche had previously played Blackwood three times during a recent road trip to help rebuild his confidence, and it had worked, with the team winning every game. However, after a loss to Winnipeg at home, Blackwood was given the day off on Monday. The game against the Canucks was an opportunity for Blackwood to play well against the league's worst team, which would have likely meant starting him against the Stars on Saturday. But now, it's more likely that Wedgewood will get the nod against Dallas.

  • Blackwood's save percentage has fallen to .899 after the loss to the Canucks.
  • Blackwood was given the day off on Monday after a loss to Winnipeg at home.
  • The Avalanche will face the Dallas Stars, a team they've been chasing in the standings, on Saturday.

The players

Mackenzie Blackwood

The Avalanche's starting goaltender, who has struggled with consistency and is now in danger of losing his job to backup Jonas Wedgewood.

Jonas Wedgewood

The Avalanche's backup goaltender, who has been playing well and could potentially take over the starting role if Blackwood's struggles continue.

Jared Bednar

The Avalanche's head coach, who has been trying to help Blackwood regain his confidence but may now need to make a change in the starting lineup.

Brock Boeser

A forward for the Vancouver Canucks, who scored a goal against Blackwood that was described as the 'cherry on top' of the Avalanche's poor performance.

Nathan MacKinnon

The Avalanche's star forward, who became the first player to score 50 goals in the NHL this season, but also had a poor defensive play that was criticized.

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What they’re saying

“If we're making excuses for that performance, it's gonna be a short [playoff] run.”

— Jared Bednar, Head Coach

What’s next

The Avalanche will face the Dallas Stars on Saturday, and it's likely that Jonas Wedgewood will get the start in goal instead of Blackwood. This game against the Stars, who have been chasing the Avalanche in the standings, will be a crucial test for the team's goaltending situation.

The takeaway

The Avalanche's goaltending situation has become a concern, with Blackwood's recent struggles potentially opening the door for Wedgewood to take over the starting role. This could have significant implications for the team's playoff hopes, as they look to secure a favorable matchup in the first round.