December 15th 2024.
In his first game with the Colorado Avalanche, Mackenzie Blackwood showed both his skill on the ice and his professionalism off the ice. After an outstanding performance in Denver, he was not only named the No. 1 star of the game at Ball Arena but also received the team's internal player of the game award, the "big hat," from team captain Noggin Boss.
As is tradition, Blackwood took a photo for the team's social media with the big hat on. However, in the excitement of the moment, he forgot to keep it on for his postgame media scrum. Luckily, teammate Cale Makar reminded him, playfully but firmly, to put the hat back on.
If he continues to play at this level, Blackwood will surely get used to the feeling of the big hat on his head. In his Avalanche debut, he made an impressive 37 saves and helped his team secure a 5-2 victory over the Nashville Predators. This was especially impressive considering that Blackwood, along with several other players on the team, had been dealing with an illness that had been going around the locker room.
Despite not having much practice time due to the illness, Blackwood was locked in and focused from the start. He stopped all 13 shots in the first period and a total of 36 shots before allowing a couple of late goals. This was nothing new for Blackwood, as he has faced a high volume of shots in many of his previous games for the San Jose Sharks.
His strong performance against the Avalanche in a previous game may have even played a role in his trade to the team. General manager Chris MacFarland noted that Blackwood had consistently performed well against the Avalanche, with his standout game being a 51-save performance that ended in a shootout loss.
When asked about his impressive debut with the Avalanche, Blackwood credited his ability to stay engaged in the game, even when not facing many shots. His coach, Jared Bednar, also praised his control and athleticism, noting that Blackwood's combination of size and quickness make him a valuable asset to the team.
The Ball Arena crowd was also quick to show their appreciation for Blackwood's performance, giving him a standing ovation in the second period and chanting his name throughout the game. Blackwood was grateful for the support and hopes to continue playing well in front of the fans.
Overall, it was a memorable debut for Mackenzie Blackwood with the Colorado Avalanche, showcasing his talent and potential as a key player for the team. And with the support of his teammates and fans, it's safe to say that Blackwood will continue to make a big impact on and off the ice.
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