Mackenzie Blackwood is showing the San Jose Sharks that his elite talent never left him.

Mackenzie Blackwood has shown the San Jose Sharks that he can be an elite goalie in the league. 

The 26-year-old netminder showed much promise early in his career with the New Jersey Devils. In his first two seasons with the Devils, he had a .918 save % and a .915 save %.

Injuries plagued Blackwood, and he could never get his game back where he wanted. 

Coming into this season, Blackwood has said this is the healthiest he has felt over the last two seasons. His movement, vision, and overall performance are at an all-time high.

Blackwood is second in the NHL in saves with 303. He has played one less game than Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Jonas Johansson, who leads the league with 336 saves.

"I think you're seeing a guy that can be an elite goalie in this league," Sharks head coach David Quinn said after Tuesday's game. "I am so impressed with him. I saw him when I was with the Rangers, and he was really good that year. A lot of goalies have started their careers at the age of 26."

While the front-facing numbers aren't spectacular, we can see how much he's keeping the Sharks in games using NHL EDGE. 

Blackwood has faced 94 high-danger shots this season. That ranks in the 98th percentile in the entire league. He has stopped 75 of those shots, ranking in the 95th percentile. 

"We were desperate in the D zone. Everyone was clogging up the middle, collapsing to the net, taking away the second chances," Blackwood said after Tuesday's game. "I thought they did a great job of limiting second chances, not giving up too many odd-man rushes, and just trying to play more patient above the other team and not letting them get behind us."

The Sharks blocked a season-high 35 shots against the Edmonton Oilers last night. Coach Quinn noted that the defense did great getting sticks in lanes.

"They've been so great. Giving me a great opportunity and a good environment, so I'm just happy that we could finally get that first one," Blackwood said after his first win. 

Blackwood's health has allowed him to return to the elite form he flashed in 2018-20.

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