The Colorado Avalanche are enjoying an exceptional season, heading into a holiday break as the top team in the NHL. This remarkable performance is underscored by the fact that they have only experienced two regulation losses in their first 36 games, positioning them as contenders for the best regular-season record in NHL history.
At the forefront of the Avalanche’s success are superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, whose talents have ignited Stanley Cup aspirations in Denver. However, a substantial contribution has come from an unlikely source: backup goalie Scott Wedgewood. His impact on the team has been significant, often overshadowed by the star players, but he has emerged as an unsung hero this season.
Wedgewood has been an integral part of the Avalanche’s goaltending strategy since he was acquired alongside MacKenzie Blackwood to bolster the team’s chances for a championship. While Blackwood has shown promise when healthy, Wedgewood has truly risen to the occasion, particularly when Blackwood faced injuries earlier in the season.
This season, Wedgewood’s performance has been outstanding. After starting in the absence of Blackwood, he has posted an impressive record of 16-1-4 over 23 games, featuring a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.01 and a remarkable .924 save percentage, which currently leads all NHL goalies.
Wedgewood is close to achieving a personal milestone in games played, aiming to surpass his previous season high of 32 games set with the Dallas Stars. His performance has not only provided stability for the Avalanche but has enhanced Blackwood’s rehabilitation process, allowing him to return without the team skipping a beat.
In his last four starts, Wedgewood has excelled, winning three and losing just once in overtime. His latest achievement, a shutout against the Utah Mammoth with 32 saves, marked his 16th victory of the season, tying a career-best record.
Head coach Jared Bednar faces a pleasant dilemma as both of his goaltenders display top-tier performances. Wedgewood’s outstanding run is vital to the Avalanche’s impressive campaign, and he is undoubtedly a key factor in their success this season. The Avalanche’s combination of star power and solid goaltending sets a promising tone as they look towards further achievements in the NHL season ahead.