The Colorado Avalanche had no jump at the start of the game against the Nashville Predators. Colorado had one of its worst games of the season from the start, and it hardly got any better. But it was a game that goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood needed to help himself get on track. He did not get the bad preseason games, so a grinder of a game is what the goalie needed. The Avalanche would push through with a one-goal lead for most of the game. But two empty-net goals led to the Avalanche’s 3–0 victory.

View from the Mountaintop

Defenseman Brent Burns scored 15 seconds into the opening period. The goal was the fifth goal scored in the first minute by the Avalanche and the ninth fastest goal in franchise history. He scored only his second goal, but the team did not bring the 40-year-old onto the team to score goals. His veteran presence and ability to make other defensemen better around him are what made him so desirable. Burns is also highly touted on the penalty kill, a part of the game the Avs needed to improve.

Mackenzie Blackwood looked a lot like himself. His side-to-side movement was a lot faster on Saturday along with tracking the puck. This was his fourth game of the season and the most saves that he had to make all year. Blackwood ended the night with 35 saves and a shutout, his first of the year. There has been debate about whether Scott Wedgewood had taken the starting spot, Blackwood may have started a new conversation. Is Blackwood back? He may have shown it when the Avalanche did not have their best game in front of him.

Nashville had 17 high-danger chances throughout the night. They had not played in six days, and their energy throughout the game showed. Colorado was sluggish and could not stay out of the penalty box, giving Nashville three power-plays. It was outstanding to see them secure a win, even after a poor game.

Up Next

The Avalanche will travel to take on Chicago on Sunday at 5 p.m. MT. Altitude will broadcast the game.