Earlier this season, former New Jersey Devils goalie Mackenzie Blackwood was traded to the Colorado Avalanche by the San Jose Sharks. The move was understandable, as the Avalanche desperately needed help between the pipes, while the Sharks were willing to move Blackwood because of his then-pending unrestricted free agent status.
The decision to acquire Blackwood certainly has benefited the Avalanche. In 37 regular-season appearances with Colorado after the move this campaign, he had a 22-12-3 record, a 2.33 goals-against average, a .913 save percentage, and three shutouts. Due to this impressive play, Blackwood earned a five-year, $26.25 million contract extension with the Avalanche, which kicks in next season.
Now, Blackwood has gotten the playoffs started on the right foot for the Avalanche. In Game 1 against the Dallas Stars, Blackwood stepped up big time, saving 23 out of 24 shots he faced. That equates to an impressive .958 save percentage on the night.
Blackwood made multiple incredible saves in the process and undoubtedly played a significant role in the Avalanche's 5-1 win over Dallas. Now, Blackwood and the Avalanche will look to keep this kind of play up when they face the Stars next for Game 2 on April 21.
Blackwood was selected by the Devils with the 42nd overall pick of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. In 152 games as a Devil over five seasons, he had a 65-57-18 record, a .906 save percentage, and a 2.97 goals-against average. His time in New Jersey came to an end during the 2023 NHL off-season when he was traded to the Sharks for a sixth-round pick.
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