Avalanche goalie Mackenzie Blackwood makes major admission after his NHL Playoffs debut vs Stars

The NHL Playoffs began on a high note for the Colorado Avalanche, following a dominant win over the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. Mackenzie Blackwood was one of the standout performers of the night — and notably, it marked his professional debut in the postseason.

Despite it being his first-ever postseason appearance, the Avalanche’s standout goaltender rose to the occasion in impressive fashion — stopping 23 of the 24 shots he faced. Without a doubt, it was the best debut he could’ve hoped for.

Following the Avalanche’s 5–1 win over the Stars, it was Mackenzie Blackwood who spoke to the media, sharing his thoughts after making his professional playoff debut.

“It was pretty special,” the talented goalkeeper said via NHL.com. “I’ve been waiting to play in the playoffs for a long time. It was great to finally get to play my first one.”

Mackenzie Blackwood #39 of the Colorado Avalanche allows a goal by Roope Hintz #24 of the Dallas Stars in the thir period of Game One of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center on April 19, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

“I mean, the way I approached the game today was the same,” he also added. “Obviously, a little bit more intensity. You could feel it around the rink. But I mean, you have to go do the same job. I don’t want to change things about my game. I know what I have to do to have success, so try to just approach it like a big game and go do the best I could.”

see also

NHL Playoffs: Kyle Connor sends clear message after Jets’ Game 1 win over Blues

The strong support from his teammates in Colorado

Blackwood’s talent has quickly made him a leader on the ice for the Colorado Avalanche. His teammates recognize that, and it gives them a sense of calm every time the puck drops for Jared Bednar’s squad.

“He’s an amazing goalie,” said center Nathan MacKinnon, who had two goals and an assist. “I think we have a lot of trust in him, obviously. He made some huge saves. It easily could have been 2-2, and all of a sudden, it’s 5-1, so it’s a completely different game with his saves.”

“I think he’s got a lot to prove,” his backup Scott Wedgewood also added. “He’s got a chip on his shoulder. … He’s trying to put that foot down on a starting-goalie [job] and [become] a guy you can lean on.”

Charlie Coyle finally added: “He was awesome. Every time we needed a big save, he was there to keep us tied, keep us ahead. Every step of the way, they got a chance, we had a little breakdown, and he shut the door. You need that at playoff time to win these tight games. It’s a game of inches, and he earned it. Enough can’t be said about the game he played tonight.”