Team Canada lost to the juggernaut American squad at the 4 Nations Face-Off Saturday, and the Canadian team was defeated becaue they were out-performed in a key area -- in goal [https://thehockeynews.com/news/as-many-predicted-canadas-goaltending-at-4-nations-face-off-has-been-their-achilles-heel]But an Avalanche goaltender could've been a difference-maker for Canada. The Wraparound: Avalanche Mackenzie Blackwood Trade Of course, we're talking about Mackenzie Blackwood, who has rescued the Avalanche's season and thrived in Denver. To be fair, the 4 Nations rosters were annouced on Dec. 4 -- only five days before Blackwood was acquired from San Jose. There wasn't a good case Blackwood could make for inclusion on Canada's roster, but there sure is now. Indeed, if Canada's Olympics team were named today, you'd have many arguing Blackwood should be on the team. He'd have competition for the job, but at least you'd give Blackwood a chance to earn a roster spot. Blackwood won't be able to steal games in a best-on-best tournament, but he's more stable than Jordan Binnington and Adin Hill, so we're stating right now that Blackwood is a favorite to make the team and thrive at the Olympics. There's stil lots of hockey to be played in the next year, but right now, Blackwood should be the front-runner for a goalie spot at the next best-on-best tournament.
