Mackenzie Blackwood 35-save shutout Avalanche Predators 3-0 2025: The goalie's redemption moment

From doubt to dominance: Blackwood’s spectacular turnaround

The numbers tell only part of the story. Yes, 35 saves on 35 shots is impressive by any standard. But the context makes it remarkable. This wasn’t a game where Colorado’s high-powered offense built an insurmountable lead, allowing their goaltender to stay comfortable. Instead, Blackwood faced a constant barrage, particularly in the first period when the Predators outshot the Avalanche 16-6. Every save mattered, every moment carried weight, and Blackwood responded with the kind of performance that reminded everyone why Colorado signed him to a five-year, $5.25 million contract.

Blackwood’s journey to this moment had been anything but smooth. After missing all of training camp and the preseason due to injury, he entered the season behind the curve. His first three starts were rocky at best—he surrendered 10 goals total, allowing at least three in each appearance. His save percentage sat at an uncharacteristic .870, with a goals-against average of 3.28. Meanwhile, Scott Wedgewood, the veteran backup signed to be the long-term number two, was playing like a Vezina candidate with an 11-1-3 record and .917 save percentage.

The pressure was mounting. Questions about Blackwood’s starting status were becoming legitimate conversation topics. Could Wedgewood actually take the job? Was Blackwood’s slow start just rust, or something more concerning? Saturday night’s performance provided a resounding answer.

When one goal is enough: Burns’ early marker stands up

Sometimes hockey games are decided in the opening minute, even if the final margin isn’t determined until the closing seconds. Brent Burns’ unassisted wrist shot from the top of the right circle just 15 seconds into the contest proved to be the game-winner, a rare early goal that held up against relentless pressure. Burns’ second goal of the season couldn’t have come at a better time, giving the Avalanche a lead they would defend for the remaining 59 minutes and 45 seconds.

The Predators, fresh off the 2025 NHL Global Series Sweden presented by Fastenal and playing their first game in six days, came out with jump. They controlled possession, generated quality chances, and tested Blackwood repeatedly. Yet they couldn’t solve the Avalanche goaltender. The game remained 1-0 deep into the third period, creating that familiar hockey tension where one mistake could erase everything.

Nathan MacKinnon’s empty-net goal with 1:35 remaining—his 17th of the season—provided breathing room, and Jack Drury’s second empty-netter at 19:10 sealed the 3-0 final. But make no mistake: without Blackwood’s perfection, those late insurance goals never happen.

Special teams battle: Avalanche penalty kill rises to the challenge

One of the most underrated aspects of Blackwood’s shutout was Colorado’s penalty kill efficiency. The Avalanche were shorthanded three times against a Predators power play that, despite the team’s overall struggles, features dangerous weapons. Each kill required not just shot-blocking and positioning, but several clutch saves from Blackwood when Nashville managed to create high-danger chances.

The 3-for-3 performance on the penalty kill highlighted a commitment to detail that has become a hallmark of Jared Bednar’s coaching. While Colorado is known for their offensive firepower—Nathan MacKinnon had recently posted a five-point night in an overtime thriller against Vancouver—their ability to win low-scoring, tight-checking games shows championship mettle.

The Avalanche’s success while shorthanded underscores the importance of goaltending as the ultimate penalty killer. While the skaters cleared pucks and blocked shooting lanes, Blackwood served as the impenetrable last line of defense, making several Grade-A saves that kept the momentum from shifting Nashville’s way.

A two-goalie system emerges in Colorado

The dynamic between Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood has become one of the NHL’s most intriguing goaltending stories. When Blackwood missed time and struggled upon his return, Wedgewood didn’t just hold the fort—he flourished. His 11-1-3 record and stellar statistics through the first quarter of the season had many wondering if a changing of the guard was underway.

But great teams need two capable goaltenders, especially over an 82-game season. Wedgewood’s success allowed Blackwood the time to properly recover and regain his form without the pressure of carrying the entire team. Now, with Blackwood’s 35-save masterpiece, the Avalanche find themselves with two confident, capable netminders—a luxury few NHL teams can claim.

Historically, Colorado has thrived when their goaltending is deep. Last season, Wedgewood stepped in for 19 games, going 13-4-0-1 and proving he could handle significant playing time. The Avalanche’s current situation mirrors that successful formula, with each goaltender pushing the other to be better.

The financial investment in Blackwood suggests he’s still “the guy” for the long term, but Wedgewood’s performance ensures Colorado won’t have to rush their starter or overwork him. It’s the kind of internal competition that breeds success, and it positions the Avalanche perfectly for the playoff grind ahead.

Avalanche’s historic run continues

The 3-0 victory improved Colorado’s record to 15-1-5, giving them the fewest regulation losses through 21 games in franchise history. They’ve collected points in 12 consecutive games (10-0-2) and became the first team to reach 30 points this season. Their eight-game winning streak solidifies their position atop the NHL standings, tied with New Jersey for the most wins in the league at 13.

While this game against Nashville lacked the offensive fireworks of their 6-3 dominant victory over the New York Rangers, it might have been more impressive. Any team can win when everything clicks offensively. Championship teams win when they don’t have their best stuff, when the passes are a little off, when the usual offensive contributors are quiet.

MacKinnon didn’t register a shot on goal until his empty-netter. Cale Makar and Martin Necas were limited to one shot each. The Avalanche’s star power was largely neutralized at even strength. Yet they won convincingly because their goaltender refused to lose.

Predators’ mounting frustrations

For Nashville, the loss extended a troubling trend. Shut out for the second consecutive game, the Predators have now lost seven of eight (1-5-2) and fallen to 6-11-4 on the season. The return of defenseman Roman Josi after a 12-game absence due to an upper-body injury should have provided a boost, but even their captain’s presence couldn’t solve their scoring woes.

Juuse Saros, Nashville’s own reliable goaltender, played well with 23 saves, keeping his team within striking distance. But when you’re not scoring, the margin for error becomes zero. The Predators’ power play went 0-for-3, and their even-strength attack, while generating quantity, couldn’t find quality against Blackwood.

The concerning aspect for Nashville isn’t just the losing streak—it’s the offensive drought. After returning from the Global Series in Sweden, they looked like a team still battling jet lag and timing issues. With the Central Division as competitive as ever, they need to find answers quickly before the hole becomes too deep to climb out of.

What it means for the championship picture

Mackenzie Blackwood’s 35-save shutout against the Predators represents far more than two points in the standings. It signals the Avalanche’s evolution from offensive juggernaut to complete, three-zone hockey team. They can win 6-3 thrillers or 3-0 defensive battles. They can rely on their superstars or their role players. And now, they can trust either of their goaltenders.

For Blackwood personally, this game could be the confidence booster that defines his season. Goaltending is as much mental as physical, and nothing builds self-belief like stealing a game your team had no business winning. If he builds on this performance and returns to the form that made him Colorado’s long-term answer in net, the Avalanche become even more dangerous.

The real winners are Avalanche fans, who get to watch a team firing on all cylinders while still finding new ways to improve. With Blackwood back in form, Colorado’s chances of hoisting the Stanley Cup in June just got significantly better. The rest of the NHL has been put on notice: the Avalanche don’t just have a great team. They have great goaltending, and they’re not afraid to use all of it.