The Colorado Avalanche’s Remarkable Season
The Colorado Avalanche are enjoying a remarkable season in 2025-26, boasting an impressive record of 30 wins, 2 losses, and 7 overtime losses. Their outstanding performance has allowed them to create a significant 10-point lead over the Dallas Stars, who sit in second place in the NHL standings. The Avalanche have been particularly dominant lately, clinching victories in their last nine consecutive matches, demonstrating a formidable consistency that is hard to overlook.
Key Player: MacKenzie Blackwood
Central to their success has been the stellar goaltending of MacKenzie Blackwood, formerly with the San Jose Sharks. The 29-year-old goalie is experiencing a career year, making significant strides as the season progresses. In his 16 appearances for Colorado, Blackwood has achieved an impressive 13 wins with only 1 loss and 1 overtime loss, alongside a remarkable .924 save percentage and a low goals-against average of 2.07.
Furthermore, his performance includes two shutouts, and he has secured victories in each of his last seven games, showcasing a save percentage of .920 or higher in all those outings. It’s clear that Blackwood’s exceptional form is a significant factor in the Avalanche’s early season success.
Olympic Selection Controversy
Interestingly, despite his phenomenal play this season, Blackwood was overlooked for a spot on Team Canada’s Olympic roster. This decision has left many hockey enthusiasts questioning how such a standout performer could be omitted, especially given his current form. As the season unfolds, it will be intriguing to see if Blackwood continues to defy expectations and further solidifies his position as one of the league’s top goalies.
