Mackenzie Blackwood’s Injury Update
Mackenzie Blackwood’s injury troubles have resurfaced, leading the Colorado Avalanche to place him on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury. This marks his second time on IR this season after he missed the start of the season recovering from off-season surgery. With Blackwood unable to participate in practice before the team’s current three-game road trip, Colorado opted to recall goaltender Trent Miner and forward Taylor Makar from their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles. Fortunately, the roster already had an open spot, so no further adjustments were necessary.
Details on Blackwood’s Condition
The Avalanche did not elaborate on the specifics of Blackwood’s injury but mentioned that he will be reassessed when the team returns from the road trip. Prior to this setback, Blackwood had played in a game against the St. Louis Blues, where Colorado won 6-1, marking his second consecutive start. Despite ongoing injury challenges, Blackwood has excelled in his appearances, boasting a remarkable 13-1-1 record in 16 games, a .924 save percentage, and an impressive league-best goals-against average of 2.07.
Goaltending Duties and Player Updates
In Blackwood’s absence, Scott Wedgewood is anticipated to take over the majority of the goaltending duties, especially after he had stepped up significantly during Blackwood’s previous recovery period.
On a positive note for the Avalanche, Taylor Makar has been summoned for his fourth NHL stint this season. The 24-year-old has played 26 games for the Eagles this season, achieving a total of 10 points through six goals and four assists. Makar, a seventh-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, is under a one-year entry-level contract until 2026. He previously played three seasons at UMass Amherst, accumulating 15 goals and seven assists before transferring to the University of Maine, where he thrived last season with 30 points in 38 games.
Meanwhile, his brother, Cale Makar, continues to be a central figure for Colorado’s defense with 45 points (12 goals, 33 assists) in 39 games this season.
Goaltending Options
In terms of goaltending options, Trent Miner has had limited NHL experience this season, going winless with an 0-0-2 record and allowing four goals on 44 shots in his two appearances for the Avalanche. However, he has had more success in the AHL, holding a 7-2-0 record along with a 2.40 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage. Miner is expected to serve in a backup capacity while Wedgewood leads the team in goal.
Upcoming Games
The Avalanche, boasting a 30-2-7 record, are gearing up to face the Carolina Hurricanes (24-13-3) on Saturday at Lenovo Center, with game coverage set to begin at 5 p.m. local time, before embarking on a Florida road trip playing against the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, on January 4 and the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 6.
