Mackenzie Blackwood Shines in NHL Playoff Debut for Avalanche

DALLAS — Mackenzie Blackwood started his journey in the NHL with challenges, but on April 19, 2025, he triumphantly stepped into his first playoff game with the Colorado Avalanche, leading his team to a commanding 5-1 victory over the Dallas Stars.

After struggling with injuries and inconsistent performances during his five years with the New Jersey Devils, Blackwood found new life after being traded to the San Jose Sharks in the summer of 2023. This past season, Blackwood displayed his potential with a .911 save percentage in 19 games, prompting Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland to trade for him on December 9, 2024.

“He was great for us,” Evgeni Nabokov, director of goaltending for the Sharks, said in a text to The Athletic. “He is everything you want to have in an NHL goalie: size, technique, explosive, reads the game well.”

Blackwood, 28, mastered the fundamentals and regained his health with San Jose, which led to his quick signing of a five-year contract with the Avalanche just 18 days after the trade.

“Good team, good people, felt it right away and they offered me a great contract,” Blackwood said. “It seemed like the perfect storm.”

The Avalanche’s necessity for goaltending improvements stemmed from Alexandar Georgiev’s poor start to the season. “To make two trades on that front certainly wasn’t planned or contemplated,” MacFarland admitted regarding the mid-season goalie swaps.

Blackwood’s debut was nothing short of spectacular, with team members like superstar defenseman Cale Makar acknowledging the confidence he brings to the ice. “When you have a guy like that back there, you know if you do something or make a mistake, he’s going to be there,” Makar said.

Following Blackwood’s impressive performance, Nathan MacKinnon praised his contributions: “We have two No. 1s, I think, and obviously Mackenzie had a great night.”

Blackwood’s approach to his debut was calm, reflecting on the excitement but maintaining his game mindset. “I don’t want to change things about my game. You know I know what I have to do to have that success,” he stated, exhibiting the mentality that contributed to his decisive win.

This playoff season not only brings an opportunity for the Avalanche but could also impact Blackwood’s prospects on the international stage. Team Canada Olympic GM Doug Armstrong frequently highlights the importance of playoff performance for selection considerations.

“It’s pretty special,” Blackwood remarked post-game about finally playing in the playoffs. “You know, I’ve been waiting to play in the playoffs for a long time.”

The Avalanche’s next challenge will come against the Stars again in Game 2, where Blackwood aims to continue his stellar play in pursuit of the coveted Stanley Cup.