Why Mackenzie Blackwood is entering the most crucial season of his career
Photo credit: Matthew Stockman / Mile High Sticking
Mackenzie Blackwood is entering a career-defining season with the Colorado Avalanche, finally getting a full year on a Cup-contending team and potentially earning a spot on Team Canada's Olympic roster.
The 28-year-old has had struggles in the past but was never on a good enough team to prove his true ability.
Mackenzie Blackwood enters biggest season of his career with the Avalanche.
Emma Miller of Puck Prose recently covered who can crack the Team Canada roster for this years' Winter Olympics that wasn't on the team last year for the 4-Nations tournament. Blackwood was a leading candidate.
"Blackwood, on the other hand, had an even better season statistically after being traded from the San Jose Sharks to the Colorado Avalanche. Once he was given the chance to take over in net for an actual contender, Blackwood performed extremely well with a 22-12-3 record, .913 SV%, 2.33 GAA, and three shutouts." -Miller
Miller did point out the struggles that Blackwood has experienced in the past, but did pardon him due to the lack of talent around him.
"Unlike Thompson, though, Blackwood has had a bit more of a rollercoaster career after having mixed results with the New Jersey Devils followed by a lackluster stint with the Sharks (understandably so). Still, the 28-year-old's resurgence with the Avalanche proves that he has the pure skill to carry his team to victory, and could serve as a reliable backup to call on if the need arises." -Miller
Since Carey Price retired, Canada's goaltending has been shrouded in uncertainty. Whether due to developmental gaps or the pressure of the spotlight, the country has yet to produce a true superstar in net, from the junior ranks to the NHL, following Price's era
Luckily for Canada, last year Jordan Binnington showed up when it mattered most, but he did have his struggles early on in the tournament. Blackwood has played on the biggest stages for Canada before, most notably at the World Juniors. If he continues his level of play, he could shock everyone and do it again on the biggest stage.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 2 | 15 ANSWERS Why Mackenzie Blackwood is entering the most crucial season of his career Will Blackwood make the Team Canada Olympic roster? | ||
| yes | 10 | 66.7 % |
| no | 5 | 33.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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