They actually did it.
One of the best organizations in the Western Conference, the Colorado Avalanche, finally has a great goalie.
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Mackenzie Blackwood is one of the best goaltenders in the NHL today. If you aren’t convinced already, hopefully you can be persuaded by his regular season and early playoff performances.
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Blackwood’s Regular Season Dominance
Blackwood was acquired early in the regular season after Alexandar Georgiev wasn’t getting the job done for the Avalanche. It’s clear now, that trading for Blackwood was the best move made by the organization this year.
In 56 games played, Blackwood recorded a 28-21-6 record between the Avalanche and the San Jose Sharks. He also posted a 2.55 goals against average (GAA), a .912 save percentage (SV%), and four shutouts.
Additionally, he boasted a 13.3 Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx).
Amongst NHL goalies who played at least 35 games, here is where he ranks in each statistic:
SV% - 5th
GAA - 8th
*Shutouts - 11th
GSAx - 15th
Wins - 13th
*Blackwood was tied with eight other goalies for 7th-place.
Let’s also not forget that Blackwood began the season on the NHL’s worst team, so there’s that to take into consideration.
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Blackwood Has Taken It Up A Notch In The Playoffs
As if his regular season play wasn’t enough, Blackwood has elevated his performance in the playoffs. He has been head and shoulders above everyone else on his team game after game.
Blackwood has a 2-3-0 record to go along with a 2.38 GAA, a .909 SV%, one shutout and 4.4 GSAx. He ranks sixth in SV%, sixth in GAA, tied for first in shutouts, and fourth in GSAx.
The only reason why the Avalanche have a fighting chance at winning this series is due to the stellar play of Blackwood.
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