Wedgewood the X-Factor for Avalanche’s Playoff Run – The Hockey Writers – Colorado Avalanche

This has been one of the best seasons in Colorado Avalanche history. They clinched the fourth President’s Trophy in franchise history, coming out of the gate on a historic pace and holding off the impressive Dallas Stars. Nathan MacKinnon captured the Rocket Richard Trophy as the league’s leading goalscorer. Martin Necas hit the 100-point mark and Cale Makar is a likely Norris Trophy finalist.

Despite all of those accolades, the biggest x-factor for the Avalanche resides behind all of that action. Scott Wedgewood has had a career season and could be the single most important piece of what the Avalanche hope is another championship puzzle.

The Season of a Lifetime

The 33-year-old Wedgewood had been a career backup coming into the 2025-26 season. His previous career-high for starts had previously been 28 back in the 2023-24 season with the Dallas Stars. Even when he was acquired, it was assumed that Mackenzie Blackwood would be the clearcut starter.

Instead, Wedgewood started the season on fire and never looked back. He started a career-high 43 games, going 31-6-6 with a sterling 2.02 goals against average and .921 save percentage – the best among goalies with at least 25 starts.

Wedgewood has been dominant in virtually every one of his starts. In those 43 starts, he gave up more than three goals just six times and held opponents to two goals or less 33 times. Wedgewood has had not only the best season of his career, but the kind of career season that any goalie would love to have.

Mackenzie Blackwood’s Struggles

Blackwood came into the season with big expectations. Goaltending was supposed to make the Avalanche contenders but it was meant to be Blackwood who would be the dominant starter. Injuries and inconsistencies wound up being the calling card of Blackwood’s season.

He finished the season playing well – 2-1-1, allowing eight total goals – but his up-and-down performance combined with domination from Wedgewood solidified the decision to go with Wedgewood in Game 1.

Though there is still a chance we will see Blackwood in the playoffs, it won’t be as a primary starter. Wedgewood’s play has made it possible for the Avalanche to go to Blackwood only as needed, a nice little “ace in the hole.”

Goaltending is Critical in the Playoffs

Having great goaltending can be perhaps the most impactful aspect of a playoff run. It isn’t a guarantee, but we have seen the Avalanche outperformed by Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger in the last two playoffs. Goaltending has kept the Edmonton Oilers from raising the Stanley Cup these past two seasons.

The Avalanche have loaded up in virtually every meaningful area but having a potential Vezina Trophy candidate is the kind of thing that gets into the heads of the opposition before the game even begins.

If Wedgewood can be 90% of what he has been this season, the Avalanche should have the advantage over virtually anyone they play. The Avalanche are dangerous enough from the top of the lineup to the bottom, but having this level of goaltending is an even bigger difference-maker.

Can Wedgewood Give the Avalanche an Edge in Net?

The biggest flaw in going with Wedgewood is his inexperience in the playoffs. He played just 18:30 last season for the Avalanche and has faced just 37 total shots. Will that play a role as the competition gets tougher and tougher?

This Avalanche team is built for the playoffs. They have high-end talent but a ton of middle-of-the-lineup grit, scoring, and toughness to win in the playoffs. If the Avalanche can get anywhere close to the kind of performance Wedgewood has delivered this season, it will make them awfully tough to overcome.