Bold statement: Even in victory, the Avalanche faced a recent test that could reshape their momentum for weeks to come. Adversity has dotted Colorado’s season, yet the NHL’s top team has consistently found a way to respond.
In this latest hurdle, Scott Wedgewood, Colorado’s primary goalie for most of the season, left the ice with 7:32 remaining in the second period of a 1-1 game and headed down the tunnel. The team later announced an upper-body injury. Head coach Jared Bednar described it as a precautionary move, saying, “He tightened up a little bit. His back. Thought we’d take him out. Better safe than sorry,” and noted that nothing appears overly serious at the moment.
Mackenzie Blackwood stepped in and steadied the ship for the Avalanche, though Vancouver didn’t test him heavily. Colorado’s offense surged with two goals before the intermission and another strong middle frame, sealing a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks at Ball Arena.
Key contributors included Nathan MacKinnon with two goals, Brock Nelson adding one, and Gabe Landeskog registering two primary assists. Blackwood stopped 10 of 11 shots to earn the win, while Wedgewood had saved 10 of 11 before departing.
Vancouver opened the scoring early, at 2:55, when Linus Karlsson beat Wedgewood on a backhand off a setup from Arshdeep Bains. Colorado endured a rocky start, needing Wedgewood’s late first-period heroics to prevent a multi-goal deficit. One notable moment saw Brent Burns pinching in to pry the puck free but failing, and Vancouver’s Kiefer Sherwood, after a breakaway, was denied by a glove save.
Colorado finished the period with momentum, and with 37 seconds left, MacKinnon tucked in a rebound from a Sam Malinski shot to level the score at 1-1.
Just 1:24 after Wedgewood exited, Nelson redirected a pass from Landeskog to give the Avs the lead. Nelson, Colorado’s No. 2 center, has 12 points in his last 10 games. MacKinnon added another late goal, with 34 seconds remaining, capitalizing on a Landeskog setup in the slot for his league-leading 22nd of the season.
Landeskog continued to be a productive presence, posting a point-per-game over his last 10 games with four goals and six assists, including six points across his previous two outings.
Landeskog offered a hopeful take: “To be completely honest, I think it was just a matter of time. That was at least the way I felt, and I’m sure Brock felt the same way.”
Positive takeaway: Wedgewood’s steadying presence
GB The Avalanche hadn’t trailed by more than one goal in a long stretch, and Vancouver’s hypothetical two-goal lead would not have spelled doom given Colorado’s eventual control of play. Still, Wedgewood’s ability to keep the game within reach was valuable, especially after an uncharacteristically sloppy first period featuring several giveaways that allowed Vancouver to surge into the neutral zone.
With the only goal allowed aside from Karlsson’s tally coming in the late first period, Wedgewood limited further damage, and Colorado never trailed again.
Negative concern: Wedgewood’s potential injury
Losing a starting goaltender would be a significant blow amid a compressed schedule. Fortunately, Bednar indicated the injury isn’t deemed serious. The Avalanche travel for a road game on Thursday and then face a back-to-back weekend slate, underscoring the importance of preserving both of their primary netminders.
Bednar confirmed Wedgewood will accompany the team to Philadelphia on Wednesday, though it remains undecided whether a third goalie will be needed during the upcoming stretch.
Beyond the on-ice impact, Wedgewood’s absence could influence Bednar’s two-goalie rotation and potentially affect selections for Team Canada, given the exceptional performance seen this season. The current setback, while concerning, hasn’t derailed Colorado’s momentum—yet.
Thought-provoking question for fans: If Wedgewood’s absence extends, should the Avalanche consider a temporary addition in goal or lean more heavily on Blackwood and the rest of the roster? Share your take in the comments.
