Colorado Avalanche nine-game winning streak 1-0 win over Chicago Blackhawks: Defense delivers again

The Colorado Avalanche continue to find ways to win, even when their high-powered offense sputters. A 1-0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday night at United Center extended their winning streak to nine games, showcasing a defensive resilience that has become the team’s hallmark during this remarkable run. Scott Wedgewood turned aside all 22 shots he faced for his first shutout of the season, while Cale Makar’s late second-period goal proved to be the difference in a tightly contested battle.

This victory pushed the Avalanche’s overall record to an impressive 16-1-5, maintaining their position atop the NHL standings. The team’s point streak now stretches to 13 games (11-0-2) since their lone regulation defeat on October 25 in Boston. For the Blackhawks, the loss marked their third consecutive defeat after a promising six-game point streak (5-0-1), leaving them at 10-8-4 on the season.

How the Colorado Avalanche nine-game winning streak 1-0 win over Chicago Blackhawks unfolded

The opening 20 minutes belonged entirely to Chicago. The Blackhawks came out with urgency, outshooting Colorado 11-2 and generating several high-quality scoring opportunities. Wedgewood’s sharpest save came against Ryan Greene, who fired a one-timer from alone in the crease with 5:42 remaining in the period. The veteran goaltender stood tall, keeping the game scoreless despite his team’s sluggish start.

Colorado coach Jared Bednar didn’t mince words about his team’s first-period performance. “We needed that period after the first, (which) was not very good at all,” Bednar admitted. “I thought [Wedgewood] did a great job of keeping us in that game in the first period.” The Avalanche struggled to establish their forecheck and looked disjointed in all three zones, a rare sight for a team that has dominated possession for most of the season.

The second period told a completely different story. Colorado emerged with renewed purpose, tilting the ice dramatically and outshooting Chicago 19-1. The persistent pressure finally paid dividends with just 1:39 remaining in the frame. A costly turnover by Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight, whose clearing pass was intercepted by Tristen Nielsen in the slot, created the breakthrough. Nielsen’s initial shot from the right circle produced a rebound that squirted out to Makar, who buried it from the left face-off circle.

Key players in Colorado Avalanche nine-game winning streak 1-0 win over Chicago Blackhawks

Scott Wedgewood has been nothing short of spectacular this season. The 32-year-old netminder entered the game leading the NHL with 13 wins and boasting a league-best 2.23 goals-against average. His nine career shutouts now include this critical performance that preserved Colorado’s streak. Wedgewood extended his personal winning streak to eight games, tying Philipp Grubauer (2020-21) and Jocelyn Thibault (1994-95) for the fourth-longest in Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques history.

In his postgame comments, Wedgewood praised his teammate’s performance from the previous night. “Obviously huge,” he said. “[Blackwood] was unbelievable for us last night, had a good first period, stood there in the second and got the job done in the third. Tough weekend for the fellas. I think there was a little bit of frustration (that) crept into our game.” His save on Frank Nazar from in tight with 43 seconds remaining sealed the victory and demonstrated his ability to make clutch stops when they matter most.

Cale Makar continues to build his case for another Norris Trophy. The elite defenseman leads all NHL blueliners with nine goals and 29 points, and his second-period tally against Chicago proved decisive. Makar’s ability to join the rush and create offense from the backend has been instrumental in Colorado’s success. His chemistry with Nielsen on the lone goal highlighted the team’s depth, as the rookie earned his first NHL point in just his fourth game.

Strategic breakdown of Colorado Avalanche nine-game winning streak 1-0 win over Chicago Blackhawks

The Avalanche’s ability to win different styles of games has been crucial to their extended run. After Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Nashville featured a more open, offensive approach, Sunday’s game required a grind-it-out mentality. The team adapted brilliantly, tightening defensively after their early struggles and limiting Chicago to just one shot in the second period when the game was still up for grabs.

Special teams played a minimal role in this contest, with both teams going 0-for-2 on the power play. In a one-goal game, staying out of the penalty box became paramount, and the Avalanche’s discipline prevented the Blackhawks from gaining any momentum through man-advantage opportunities. Colorado’s penalty kill, ranked third in the league at 87.0%, continued its excellent work when called upon.

Bednar’s intermission adjustments proved pivotal. The coach emphasized playing “the right way” and becoming “a little bit more connected in three zones.” His message resonated, as Colorado emerged for the second period with dramatically improved structure and competitive spirit. The team’s ability to respond to adversity has become a defining characteristic during this streak.

What Colorado Avalanche nine-game winning streak 1-0 win over Chicago Blackhawks means for the season

This victory places Colorado in rare historical company. The nine-game winning streak matches the team’s longest run since March 4-24, 2024, and positions them as the clear favorites in the Central Division. Their 16-1-5 record represents the best start in franchise history, outpacing even the Stanley Cup-winning squad of 2021-22. The Avalanche’s plus-43 goal differential demonstrates their dominance at both ends of the ice.

The goaltending tandem of Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood has become the NHL’s most formidable. With Blackwood posting a 35-save shutout on Saturday and Wedgewood following up with 22 saves on Sunday, Colorado became the first team this season to record consecutive shutouts. The two netminders have combined for a microscopic goals-against average, giving the team confidence regardless of who’s between the pipes. This depth will prove invaluable during the grueling regular season and into the playoffs.

Looking ahead, the Avalanche’s schedule doesn’t get any easier.

The team hosts San Jose on Wednesday before embarking on a challenging road trip that will test their mettle against several Western Conference contenders. Maintaining this level of play against increasingly desperate opponents will require the same defensive focus and goaltending excellence that carried them past Chicago. With their closest division rivals already trailing by double digits in points, Colorado has an opportunity to build a commanding lead before the holiday season.

Colorado’s success isn’t just about individual brilliance—it’s about a system that breeds consistency. The team’s ability to win tight, low-scoring affairs like this one demonstrates championship DNA. As the season progresses, this defensive identity will serve them well when goals become harder to come by in the playoffs. The Avalanche have sent a clear message to the rest of the league: they can beat you 6-1 or 1-0, and that versatility makes them extraordinarily dangerous.