Mackenzie Blackwood Shines in Avalanche Debut with 38 Saves

The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Nashville Predators 5-2, with Blackwood's stellar goaltending and Nathan MacKinnon's offensive surge leading the way.

Mackenzie Blackwood made 38 saves in his first game with the Avalanche, securing a 5-2 win over the Predators after being acquired from the San Jose Sharks earlier in the week.
Blackwood stopped the first 37 shots he faced, earning chants from the home crowd before Nashville's Steven Stamkos ended his shutout bid late in the third period.
Nathan MacKinnon continued his December scoring streak with two goals and an assist, bringing his season total to an NHL-leading 50 points and passing Michel Goulet for third on the franchise's all-time scoring list.
Artturi Lehkonen also scored twice, while Ross Colton added a goal to help the Avalanche overcome a slow start and secure the victory.
The win highlighted Colorado's recent improvements in goaltending, with Blackwood's performance addressing earlier concerns and complementing the team's potent offense.