Coloradan Avalanche: The Bullet Points
Denver, CO - Mackenzie Blackwood experienced his first setback in the playoffs, as the Colorado Avalanche faced elimination in Game 6. After a stellar performance in Game 4, Blackwood struggled in Game 5, allowing five goals on 18 shots before being replaced by Scott Wedgewood.
The game began disastrously for Blackwood, as a fluke bounce off Cody Ceci's dump-in wrapped around him and slid into the net just nine seconds into the contest. Wyatt Johnson capitalized on the fortunate break, and the Avs found themselves down 1-0 from the get-go.
Things didn't get any better for Blackwood in the first period, as a Thomas Harley shot deflected off his shoulder into the net before the horn sounded. The Avs couldn't muster much offense in response, and found themselves in a 2-0 hole after the opening frame.
The rest of the game saw Colorado try to claw their way back, but they were unable to overcome Blackwood's subpar performance. Wedgewood came in to relieve him early in the third period, but it was too little, too late for the Avs.
Despite the loss, Blackwood remained optimistic. "Look at what you did good, look at what you did bad. Just try and play a good game next time," he said after the game.
With elimination on the line in Game 6, the Avs will need a strong effort from Blackwood if they hope to force a Game 7. To turn things around, Blackwood may need to focus on his pre-game preparation and defensive strategies, as well as adopting a short-term approach to save-by-save and shaking off any accumulated pressure.
The Avs arrived at this 2025 postseason with high expectations: either Stanley Cup or bust. This team was rebuilt mid-season like no other Cup contender before, and Blackwood was a key addition. With a five-year contract beginning next season, the Avs will be counting on him to deliver in these critical playoff moments.
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ℹ️ Enrichment Data
This article discusses Mackenzie Blackwood's rough performance in Game 5 of the 2025 NHL playoffs against the Dallas Stars. Key points include the quick goal that set the tone for the game, Blackwood's replacement by Scott Wedgewood, and the Avs' need for a quick comeback in Game 6 to force a Game 7. To recover, Blackwood may need to focus on pre-game preparation, defensive strategies, and taking a short-term approach to save-by-save. The Avs have high expectations for the playoffs and will be relying on Blackwood to deliver in these critical moments.
Recovery & Comeback Strategy
- Pre-Game Preparation: Blackwood may need to focus on his pre-game routine to better anticipate and counter opponents’ quick starts[1][3].
- Defensive Rotations: A closer look at Dallas’ forechecking patterns and reinforcement of penalty-kill strategies may help alleviate pressure on Blackwood and encourage structured defensive rotations[1][2].
- Short-Term Approach: Adopting a save-by-save mentality and focusing on individual plays could help Blackwood regain confidence and maintain a positive outlook[1][2].
- Mackenzie Blackwood might need to concentrate on his pre-game preparation to forecast opponents' quick starts and be better prepared.
- Analyzing Dallas' forechecking patterns and reinforcing penalty-kill strategies could help alleviate pressure on Blackwood and promote structured defensive rotations.
- Adopting a save-by-save mentality and focusing on individual plays could help Blackwood regain confidence and maintain a positive outlook.
- If Blackwood wants to turn things around, he may need to agree on these recovery strategies with the coaching staff to ensure a stronger performance in the future.
- As the 2025 NHL playoffs continue, the average sports fan watching hockey, including those who follow the NHL closely, will be paying close attention to Mackenzie Blackwood's performance and the Colorado Avalanche's comeback efforts.
