The Colorado Avalanche had a massive problem early in the season. Goaltenders Alexander Georgiev and Justus Annunen were struggling to say the least. Night after night, they would let in goals that would be stopped by any other NHL netminder. It was such a problem that the team was severely underachieving, struggling and not winning games. That issue may have been resolved by the acquisitions of goaltenders Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood as they have been solid since arriving in Colorado.
Avalanche goalies Blackwood, Wedgewood shinning in net
Wedgewood was acquired in a trade with the Nashville Predators in exchange for Annunen and Blackwood was acquired from the San Jose Sharks for Georgiev. It was a big risk to trade both of your goaltenders before the New Year but something had to be done. They had nobody ready in the minors to step up and take that role on the team, so a trade made the most sense.
Wedgewood and Blackwood have turned things around between the pipes and the Avalanche as a team have rallied around them. Colorado looks better overall, full of confidence and motivation as the goaltending has stopped most shots in their direction. This was an incredibly big change for the team going forward but it has paid off so far.
With Colorado, Wedgewood is 4-2 with a .917 save percentage and a 2.35 goals-against-average. In his last five games, he is 3-1-1 with a .901 save percentage and 11 goals against. Blackwood has played like a number one goaltender with a 5-0-1 record, a ,921 save percentage and nine goals against in his last six games, including a big 3-1 win against the Florida Panthers. The duo has completely changed the goaltending position in Colorado and has put them back into contention.
The Avalanche have a record of 5-1 in their last six games, outscoring opponents 24-13. They have climbed into third place in the Central Division with a record of 25-15-1 for 51 points.
Wedgewood unfortunately was placed on injured reserve on January 4th with a lower-body injury. Withouot a backup, Colorado recalled goaltender Trent Minor from their American Hockey League (AHL) affialte, the Colorado Eagles.
Colorado is still a well-balanced team capable of scoring goals at will. The defense is solid from the top down and now the goaltending has stepped up when the team needed it most. If the goaltending holds together when Wedgewood returns, this team could be scary good once again.