Regardless of Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar's decision Wednesday night, the New Jersey Devils were going to see a familiar face in the opposing net.
Former Devils Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood make up the Avalanche's goaltending tandem, and at the team's morning skate, it was confirmed that Blackwood would get the start.
The 28-year-old has a record of 1-0-0 in two games against the Devils, with a goals-against average of 0.00 and a save percentage of 1.000. In his first start against his former team, he left the game with an injury after 18 minutes. In that duration, he made 13 saves on 13 shots. In his last appearance against New Jersey, Blackwood made 44 saves on 44 shots.
Since being traded from New Jersey to the San Jose Sharks on June 27, 2023, he has made 57 saves on 57 shots against his former team.
The Devils will start veteran Jake Allen tonight at Ball Arena. Throughout his career, Allen has a 10-7-3 record in 23 games against the Avalanche, with a goals-against average of 2.49 and a save percentage of .918.
The puck will drop between the Devils and the Avalanche at 9:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on MSG Networks.
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