Is Blackwood a true number one goaltender? Latest report sparks controversy
Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing / Imagn Images
While the acquisition of goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood definitely yielded results for the Colorado Avalanche, will he be the star they need to make another run at the Stanley Cup this NHL season?
Most signs point towards him being capable to carry the Avalanche, however, there still remains doubt.
Is Mackenzie Blackwood ready to take the Colorado Avalanche to new heights?
Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now reported on the projected season of Mackenzie Blackwood. While, he seems ready to lead the way for the Avalanche, there are still some concerns leading up to the season.
"Blackwood's season with the Avs was sort of a tale of two goalies. He stormed out of the gate with a .938 save percentage in his first 12 games, but that was followed up with a .901 in the last 25. Albeit the games at the end of the season had a lot of players resting for the postseason." -Deen
While we can pardon him a bit for the rested players, a 0.37 drop in save percentage is alarming. We know Blackwood can be an elite goaltender in spurts, but can he be elite all the time, especially when it matters most?
As talented as he is, he hasn't really won a big game in his career yet. Even dating back to the 2016 World Juniors, Canada did not even manage to medal in the tournament with Blackwood in nets.
Another concern is his health. Blackwood is known to be injury prone, so even if he manages to maintain an elite form, can he make it through a marathon of a schedule this year?
"Blackwood had a full season without an injury last year, but that hasn't always been the case. Injuries are a big part of what spelled his end in New Jersey. I've never met a goalie built quite like Blackwood. His upper body size and strength are quite the opposite of the slender build most goaltenders have nowadays. Perhaps that, mixed with his athleticism and maneuverability was part of what led to so many injuries." -Deen
Blackwood is poised to have a career year, finally playing on a true contender will test if he's the elite goalie we all projected him to be before he turned pro. He might even have an opportunity at making the Canadian Olympic team if he plays well enough.
All that remains for him is his consistency and his health. If all goes well, the Avalanche could have a top-10 goaltender with a cap hit of only $5 million a year.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 5 | 16 ANSWERS Is Blackwood a true number one goaltender? Latest report sparks controversy Will Mackenzie Blackwood crack Team Canada's Olympic roster? | ||
| Yes | 9 | 56.3 % |
| No | 7 | 43.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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