In Dallas, Mackenzie Blackwood has seamlessly integrated into the Colorado Avalanche squad, a team embarking on their eighth consecutive postseason journey. This roster brims with playoff experience, including 10 players who contributed to their Stanley Cup victory three years ago. Interestingly, Blackwood, at 28, has featured in just a single NHL playoff game thus far.
“When you’ve got a player like him guarding the net, it instills confidence in the team,” commented seasoned defenseman Cale Makar, the recipient of the 2022 Conn Smythe Trophy. “His composure in the goal is reassuring, knowing that even if a mistake is made, he’ll be there to cover it. We’re counting on him to maintain this level of performance because he’s crucial to our team.”
The Avalanche secured Blackwood from San Jose in a December 9 trade and solidified his place in the team with a new $26.25 million, five-year contract just after Christmas. His efforts in the playoff opener, stopping 23 shots, helped Colorado take a 1-0 lead in the Western Conference first-round series against the Dallas Stars.
“He’s truly an outstanding goalie,” remarked Nathan MacKinnon, the 2023-24 NHL MVP. MacKinnon, who scored two goals and provided an assist in the 5-1 victory, added, “With his saves, the game could have been tied. It’s a completely different atmosphere when he’s at the net.” The teams will face off again for Game 2 Monday night in Dallas.
The Stars have now lost the opening game in eight consecutive playoff series since 2022. Yet, they reached the Western Conference Final the last two seasons, overcoming early losses, like last year’s turnaround against Vegas.
Wyatt Johnston from the Stars expressed, “Being in this spot isn’t ideal, but our past experience of bouncing back from a 1-0 deficit gives us confidence.” Colorado took the lead after MacKinnon assisted Artturi Lehkonen in scoring the first goal. Lehkonen’s shot deflected off his skate into the net as he fell following a collision, right after Blackwood thwarted four quick shots on the opposite end.
Johnston noted Blackwood’s prowess, stating, “He’s a formidable goalkeeper. We need to be strategically aggressive—get pucks to the net, create distractions, and capitalize on second chances.” Dallas managed its sole goal thanks to Roope Hintz during a power play when Blackwood momentarily lost his stick.
Before joining the Avalanche, Blackwood had spent seven seasons across three teams, appearing in 252 regular-season games, including 37 with Colorado. Debuting in the NHL with the New Jersey Devils in 2018-19, he accumulated invaluable experience over his five seasons there.
Reflecting on his playoff debut, Blackwood described it as “pretty special,” acknowledging the heightened intensity yet maintaining his consistent game approach. “I approach this game like any other. Consistency is vital.” His record since joining Colorado boasts impressive statistics: 22-12-3 with a 2.33 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage.
Center Charlie Coyle praised Blackwood’s crucial saves, “He came through every time we needed him, keeping us competitive whether tied or leading. Such clutch performances are essential during playoffs.” Coyle, having made postseason appearances each of his first 13 NHL seasons, reiterated the importance of a reliable goalie. Coyle joined from Boston in the March 7 trade, further strengthening the Avalanche’s playoff push.