DALLAS — The Colorado Avalanche entered Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs with over 1,100 games of collective postseason experience. Their starting goaltender, however, had none. That changed in a big way Saturday night.
Making his long-awaited playoff debut, Mackenzie Blackwood turned aside 23 shots in a commanding 5–1 win over the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center, backstopping the Avalanche to a 1–0 series lead in the Western Conference First Round.
“It was pretty special,” said Blackwood, 28. “I’ve been waiting to play in the playoffs for a long time.”
Stepping Into the Spotlight
Blackwood, acquired midseason from San Jose, entered the game with 252 regular-season appearances—10th most all-time for a goalie before playing in the postseason. But if there were nerves, they didn’t show.
Despite losing his stick during a third-period penalty kill, Blackwood only surrendered one goal—a deflection by Roope Hintz that cut Colorado’s lead to 2–1. The Avalanche responded with three unanswered goals to put the game away.
“He was awesome,” said Colorado center Charlie Coyle. “Every time we needed a big save, he delivered. You need that kind of goaltending in the playoffs.”
MacKinnon Leads the Charge
Up front, Nathan MacKinnon led the offense with two goals and an assist, continuing his tradition of elevating his game in the postseason. The Avalanche pulled away in the third period, using speed and depth to break down Dallas’ structure.
“We’ve got a different team this year,” said MacKinnon. “We trust Blackwood back there, and our group is deeper. That makes a difference.”
Depth and Resilience
Colorado’s revamped roster was built with depth in mind, and it showed. Artturi Lehkonen opened the scoring in the second, and Colorado never looked back. Goals from MacKinnon, Valeri Nichushkin, and Devon Toews followed, overwhelming a Stars team that couldn’t match the pace late.
Dallas coach Pete DeBoer admitted the Avalanche’s goaltending was the difference.
“They didn’t have Blackwood last year,” DeBoer said. “He was the key guy tonight.”
Quiet Confidence
While Blackwood remained calm and reserved before the game, his teammates could feel the focus.
“He didn’t say much,” said backup goalie Scott Wedgewood. “He was locked in. If he wants space, I give him space. If he wants to talk, I’m there. He earned this one.”
What’s Next
The Stars will look to regroup ahead of Game 2 on Monday night in Dallas. For Colorado, the task is simple—ride the momentum, and let their new playoff hero in net keep doing what he does best.
via NHL.com
