The Colorado Avalanche have been playing like juggernauts since entering the 2025-26 season. Despite losing their presumed #1 goalie for much of the first month and a half of the season, the Avs managed to keep their noses (mostly) clean and with a breakout performance by Scott Wedgewood to start the season, stayed atop the standings not only in their division, but the entire NHL.
Now, almost a third of the way through the season, the team has only lost once in regulation with a record of 15-1-5. Last night, that was in no small part thanks to Mackenzie Blackwood. Despite a couple of shaky outings to start his season, Blackwood proved in Colorado's 3-0 shutout of the Nashville Predators why he got a new contract from the team shortly after arriving in the Mile High City. While the scoresheet tells of a dominant Avalanche win, the reality is that they scored on a tended net just once last night. Outshot 35-24, the Avs had to make every one count, and Burns' goal to open the game just 15 seconds in was the difference maker.
On the flip side, the Predators were unable to get past Blackwood, despite a couple of breakaway chances let in by an Avalanche blueline that seemed to be playing sluggishly on the road after a 4 game home stand. Even while Nashville held Nathan Mackinnon to one shot (an empty netter) the rest of the Avalanche's usually potent offense went quiet for the night, with Cale Makar and Martin Necas only registering one shot each. With Gavin Brindley out week-to-week, the Avalanche will need to have their depth wake back up before a game against a Blackhawks team looking to get their heads right after a loss to the Buffalo Sabres.