Blackwood defeats Shesterkin in the Colorado Avalanche’s overtime victory.
Blackwood is a valuable addition to the Colorado Avalanche, as seen by their thrilling overtime victory over one of the league’s top goalies.
On Tuesday night, the Colorado Avalanche defeated the New York Rangers at home in an exciting comeback victory. The Avs rallied from a 2-1 hole to tie the score in the final second of the third, making the victory perhaps the team’s bravest of the season. With just 30 seconds remaining in the extra frame, Devon Toews scored the game-winning goal, proving once again that he was money in the bank. But MacKenzie Blackwood was the night’s true star. Igor Shesterkin, the best goaltender in the world, faced Blackwood head-to-head.
To be honest, I was unable to distinguish between the two. Blackwood was a genius. Throughout the game, he and Shesterkin exchanged spectacular saves. However, the most significant stop occurred during overtime when Mika Zibanejad faced Blackwood one-on-one and got a breakaway. To keep the Avs in the game, Blackwood made a spectacular glove save. Nathan MacKinnon’s exquisite one-timer put Toews out of the game less than a minute later.
The performance on Tuesday night ought to have silenced any remaining skepticism about Blackwood’s suitability for Colorado. Blackwood had the appearance of a Conn Smythe Trophy-winning goalie who could lead his club through a close playoff match. Don’t make a mistake. An excellent hockey team is the New York Rangers. Most commentators believe they have the best goaltender in the world. The Avs did not have to fight to defeat the Anaheim Ducks or San Jose Sharks. This is a Stanley Cup Final-caliber contest.
Blackwood stole the Colorado Avalanche’s game. I have previously documented Shesterkin’s game-stealing for the New York Rangers. If it weren’t for Shesterkin’s valiant efforts, they wouldn’t have won those games. The Avalanche in this game is no different.
Without Blackwood’s outstanding play, the Avs would not have prevailed in the match. Blackwood stopped at least three shots in the first period that could have been goals, which is why I think that. By the end of the first period, the score might have been 2-0 or 3-1 if we assume the Rangers had scored on one or two of those opportunities. The Avs were able to remain in the game long enough to get the equalizer late thanks to Blackwood’s effort. Naturally, the squad deserves praise for persevering and scoring a crucial goal to end the game in a tie.
The difference-maker, however, was Zibanejad’s overtime save. The game is over if Zibanejad scores. Nevertheless, Blackwood saved the game, allowing his team to rally and win.
With a legitimate number-one goalie behind them, the Avalanche’s confidence will only increase going forward. It’s difficult to get that mental boost. The Avs were fortunate to get it, and they may now be ready to embark on a successful run in the second half of the season.