Avalanche goalies caught in a moment that explains Colorado's whole season

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Jonathan Ouimet
May 23, 2026  (0:57)

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Photo credit: screenshot

Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood were caught on camera Friday night having a relaxed chat during a TV timeout while the Colorado Avalanche bled out at home.

The clip went up on Sportsnet's account with the caption "Goalie partner things." Cute on its own. Brutal in context.

Because Colorado is now down 0-2 in the Western Conference Final to the Vegas Knights. At Ball Arena. After finishing 121 points in the regular season.

Blackwood is the 5.25 million dollar starter. His regular-season line shows 38 games, 20 wins, and a .903 save percentage. His playoff numbers tell a harsher story.

3 playoff appearances. 1 win. A .872 save percentage. That's not Conference Final goaltending. That's a problem.

Wedgewood is the 1.5 million dollar partner. His season looked better at .921, and his playoff work has been steadier at .911 across 9 starts.

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The eye test was almost surreal. Two goalies adjusting straps, laughing about something, while their team was getting pushed around in front of them.

It's the visual of a partnership doing fine personally. It's also the visual of a goaltending situation that has no clear hierarchy.

Jared Bednar carried both netminders through the regular season and the first two rounds. The luxury of choice is now the burden of choice.

Colorado outscored opponents by 99 goals in the regular season. They allowed only 203 goals against, the league's best mark. None of that defensive structure has shown up against Vegas.

The Avalanche are missing pieces. Their blue line took another hit Friday. The forecheck has been a step slow. And now the crease is open for debate.

Game 3 sits Sunday in Las Vegas. T-Mobile Arena. Vegas with the momentum, the series lead, and a roster that's been buying its goalie buckets of confidence.

Here's the question facing Bednar before that flight. Does loyalty to Blackwood survive a 0-2 hole, or does Wedgewood get the start that could save the season?

The goalies are smiling on the bench. The coach isn't.

Previously

Nobody saw this coming at the end of the Marlies playoff game

Crosby went straight at Canadiens forward with comments fans cannot believe

Top NHL forward is injured after an unacceptable moment and heads are about to roll

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50 MINUTES AGO   |   6 ANSWERS Avalanche goalies caught in a moment that explains Colorado's whole season Should Jared Bednar start Scott Wedgewood over Mackenzie Blackwood in Game 3 ?

▢    Yes

▢    No

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