The Colorado Avalanche are facing a turbulent start to their NHL season, with a mixed bag of performances leading to some early concerns. After two consecutive victories, including a 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks, it’s clear the team is still evaluating key aspects of their game. One pressing issue that has emerged is their goaltending situation, with Alex Georgiev’s performance under scrutiny as injuries plague the roster.
Colorado’s Goaltending Dilemma
While the Avalanche’s recent string of victories brings hope, questions about their goaltending persist. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has speculated on the “32 Thoughts” podcast that Colorado may be looking to address these concerns by potentially bringing in Sharks’ goalie Mackenzie Blackwood. Blackwood, currently in the final year of a $2.35 million contract, is emerging as a potential target for the Avs.
Friedman suggests that Colorado’s management may already be considering whether Blackwood could offer a solution to their goaltending woes, saying:
“I wouldn’t be surprised if (Mackenzie) Blackwood is the kind of guy they’re at least saying, ‘Okay, if we do decide to go this route, could he solve our problem?’”
Blackwood, despite being winless with a less-than-stellar .875 save percentage (SV%) and a goals-against average (GAA) of 4.88 over three games, could still be viewed as an upgrade. However, the situation isn’t black and white, as Georgiev’s performance isn’t much better, posting a GAA of 4.99 and an SV% of .811, leaving both goaltenders under the .900 save percentage threshold—a concerning trend for any team.
Trade Speculations: What Could Be Brewing?
It’s not hard to imagine why the Avalanche might be weighing their options when it comes to Blackwood. As Friedman put it:
“I find it impossible to believe they’re not at least looking at it, whether or not they actually do it.”
This speculation brings attention to the possibility of a trade between the two teams. The Sharks, currently struggling at the bottom of the standings, might be open to parting ways with Blackwood in exchange for assets, while the Avalanche could use a boost in net if they want to maintain their competitive edge.
Should the Avs make a move for Blackwood, it would signal a proactive approach in shoring up their roster, especially as they eye a deeper playoff run. It will be intriguing to see whether this trade materializes in the coming weeks, particularly as both teams continue to assess their season trajectories.
Ross Colton Shines Amid Avalanche’s Goaltending Concerns
On the offensive side, the Colorado Avalanche found a standout performance in Ross Colton during their recent victory over the Sharks. Colton, who has been one of the Avs’ most consistent players this season, tallied two goals in their 4-1 win, bringing his total to six goals in as many games.
Colton opened the scoring for Colorado with a powerplay goal just over six minutes into the first period. He followed that up with a second tally, giving his team a commanding 2-0 lead by the 16:37 mark. His sharp shooting and keen positioning make him a valuable asset for the Avalanche this season.
At 28, Colton is proving to be one of the brightest stars for the Avalanche, showing consistency and leadership on the ice. His impressive form continues to be a silver lining as the team works through its early-season struggles in the goaltending department.
What’s Next for the Avalanche?
Looking ahead, the Colorado Avalanche will take on the Seattle Kraken next, with the game scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday. As the team continues to build momentum, all eyes will be on how they manage their goaltending situation. Will they take the plunge and make a move for Blackwood, or will Georgiev bounce back and solidify his position between the pipes?
As the season progresses, Colorado’s management has some critical decisions to make. With the trade rumor mill already buzzing, this could be the beginning of major changes for the Avalanche as they strive to remain competitive in a highly stacked Western Conference. Keep an eye on the developing situation as Colorado looks to refine their roster and solidify their playoff ambitions.
The Colorado Avalanche’s recent performance suggests they are beginning to find their footing, but their goaltending situation remains a key question mark. With rumors swirling around a potential move for Mackenzie Blackwood, Avalanche fans may see some roster shakeups in the near future.
While Blackwood’s stats don’t necessarily present a perfect solution, his experience and potential to bounce back might be just what Colorado needs to complement their star-studded lineup. In a league where goaltending can make or break a season, Avalanche management will need to carefully weigh their options before making any major moves.
Will the Avs roll the dice on Blackwood, or will they trust Georgiev to find his form as the season progresses? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Avalanche are a team to watch as trade rumors begin to heat up.
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