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10 Takeaways: Bednar Gambled on Blackwood and It Paid Off
TL;DR
Mackenzie Blackwood started for the Colorado Avalanche in Game 4 against the Minnesota Wild after nearly a month off. Head coach Jared Bednar's gamble on Blackwood proved successful as he delivered a strong performance.
Key points
- Mackenzie Blackwood started Game 4 for the Avalanche
- He hadn't played in nearly a month
- Head coach Jared Bednar trusted Blackwood's ability
- Blackwood's performance was pivotal for the team
- Scott Wedgewood started the first seven playoff games
Mackenzie BlackwoodColorado AvalancheMinnesota WildScott Wedgewood
Matt Krohn-Imagn ImagesMatt Krohn-Imagn Images
Mackenzie Blackwood hadn’t started a game in nearly a month when he was handed the reins in a pivotal Game 4 against the Minnesota Wild on Monday. For stretches of his 18-month tenure with the Colorado Avalanche, he has been among the most dominant goalies in the league.
But his shaky play after the Olympic break is a large part of why Scott Wedgewood got the nod in the opening seven games of the postseason. Head coach Jared Bednar’s decision to go back to Blackwood was built largely on trust in his tandem, trust in Blackwood’s ability to bounce, and on his team to help support the goalie.
It paid off.
“He was great. I think he went in the net and did exactly what I was hoping he would do,” Bednar said. “Like I said before, he had some really strong practices in the last week, he’s had some time to prepare, he’s in-tune with what’s going on in the series, and done his homework. I thought that he went in and played a great game for us.”
Blackwood stopped 19-of-21 shots faced in Game 4 after getting 12 of 13 in his Game 3 relief appearance. It was clear after Game 3 that Bednar was contemplating the change. It’s likely he’s not thinking as much about it now. And that Blackwood is going to carry this performance into a potential series-ender at Ball Arena on Wednesday.
10 Takeaways
1. The Avalanche had a 20-4 shot advantage midway through the game. But I don’t want to let that take away from the performance the goalie had. He made several grade-A stops later in the game to keep the Avs either tied or ahead.
2. Jesper Wallstedt was also having a strong performance until the third period. The Avs were eventually going to get to him and they did. He didn’t see sneak away from Dameon Hunt for the wide open goal, but I credit Colton for that more than blame Wallstedt. The on the other hand, was the one I know he probably wishes he could have back. And that’s not to take anything away from Kelly’s shot, but a goalie that was as dialed in as he was probably doesn’t like letting in a one-timer from well beyond the slot.
Q&A
Why did Jared Bednar choose Mackenzie Blackwood for Game 4?
Jared Bednar chose Mackenzie Blackwood for Game 4 due to his trust in Blackwood's ability to bounce back and the support from his team.
How long had Mackenzie Blackwood been out before starting Game 4?
Mackenzie Blackwood had not started a game in nearly a month before his return in Game 4.
What impact did Blackwood's performance have on the Avalanche's playoff chances?
Blackwood's strong performance in Game 4 positively impacted the Avalanche's playoff chances, showcasing his potential as a dominant goalie.
What was the reason for Scott Wedgewood starting in the earlier playoff games?
Scott Wedgewood started in the earlier playoff games due to Blackwood's shaky play after the Olympic break.
