Mackenzie Blackwood has quickly established himself as a key player for the Colorado Avalanche following his trade from the San Jose Sharks on December 9, 2024, coinciding with his birthday. Over 37 regular-season games with Colorado, Blackwood started 36 times and delivered an impressive performance, finishing with a 22-12-3 record, a .913 save percentage, a 2.33 goals-against average, and three shutouts. His standout performances have made the Mackenzie Blackwood Avalanche goaltender performances a highlight of the season.
Matching Franchise Milestones with Early Success
By recording at least 22 wins and three shutouts in his first 37 appearances, Blackwood joined Darcy Kuemper as only the second goaltender in Avalanche history to reach these figures so early in their tenure. Making his Stanley Cup Playoff debut, Blackwood maintained strong form, posting a 2.71 goals-against average along with a shutout, further demonstrating his value to the team in high-pressure situations.
Overall Career Performance Including San Jose Sharks Years
Considering his full season with both the Sharks and Avalanche, Blackwood started 53 of 56 games, compiling a 28-21-6 record, a .912 save percentage, a 2.55 goals-against average, and a career-best four shutouts. Since joining Colorado, he has shown marked improvements, including fourteen regular-season games with a save percentage at or above .930, ranking him seventh among NHL goalies during that time.
Key Games Demonstrating Blackwood’s Impact
Blackwood’s Avalanche debut on December 14th was memorable, as he stopped 37 of 39 shots to help Colorado secure a 5-2 victory over the Nashville Predators. On January 6th, he again stood out by making 26 saves in a 3-1 win versus the defending champion Florida Panthers. These games highlighted his ability to perform under pressure and gain the trust of the Avs faithful early on.
Record Shutouts Highlighting Blackwood’s Consistency
Blackwood’s first shutout as an Avalanche came on January 31st against the St. Louis Blues with 19 saves. He quickly followed up with a 23-save shutout against the Philadelphia Flyers on February 2nd, and later recorded a third shutout on March 27th, making 27 saves in a 4-0 win over the Los Angeles Kings. These performances have solidified his reputation as a reliable last line of defense for the team.
Looking Ahead: Long-Term Potential and Career Milestones
Entering the 2025-26 season, Blackwood begins the first year of a five-year contract with the Avalanche, and he stands just 48 games away from reaching 300 NHL appearances. His contributions this season bode well for the future of the Colorado Avalanche’s goaltending, as he continues to build momentum and confidence with every game played.