Avalanche Extend Winning Streak with Shutout Against Blackhawks

CHICAGO, IL — Scott Wedgewood made 22 saves for his first shutout of the season as the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 1-0 on Sunday night. The victory extended the Avalanche’s winning streak to nine games, which is the longest in the NHL this season.

Cale Makar scored the lone goal for Colorado late in the second period, which helped the team improve its record to 16-1-5, with points in 13 straight games since their lone regulation loss to Boston on October 25.

The Avalanche had a lackluster start, managing just two shots on goal in the first period while being outshot 11-2 by the Blackhawks. Wedgewood kept the game scoreless with several key saves, including one against Ryan Green‘s one-timer in close.

In the second period, the Avalanche pushed back, outshooting Chicago 19-1. Makar broke the deadlock with 1:39 remaining in the period, firing a rebound into net after a shot from rookie Tristen Nielsen, who recorded his first NHL point with the assist.

Wedgewood, who was a backup for much of his career, leads the NHL with 13 wins and boasts a league-best goals-against average of 2.23. Makar currently leads NHL defensemen with nine goals and 29 points this season.

Head coach Jared Bednar acknowledged the team’s slow start but praised Wedgewood’s performance, stating, ‘Wedge did a great job keeping us in that game.’ The Avalanche have outperformed expectations despite being without several key forwards.

The Blackhawks, who have now lost three straight games, faced pressure late in the third period but Wedgewood continued to deny their chances, finishing with a crucial save on Spencer Knight when he was pulled for an extra attacker.

As the Avalanche continue their strong performance, Wedgewood expressed confidence about the challenges ahead, stating, ‘If you’re the top dog in the league, everyone is going to want to knock you down a peg.’