Blackwood Will Start in Goal Against Dallas Stars
The Avalanche goaltender prepares to take the net following a 6-3 loss against Toronto.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Hockey
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Mackenzie Blackwood is scheduled to start for the Colorado Avalanche in their game against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, October 14, 2026. The 29-year-old netminder enters the matchup seeking a bounce-back performance after a 6-3 defeat to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Why it matters
Blackwood is adjusting his defensive approach to minimize goals caused by lapses in awareness around the crease. By broadening his focus beyond the puck carrier, he aims to improve his ability to track threats in dangerous positions.
Blackwood has started four out of five total games played by the Colorado Avalanche this season, currently carrying two losses. The team is coming off a 6-3 defeat in their most recent outing.
The players
Mackenzie Blackwood
He is a 29-year-old goaltender from Thunder Bay, Ontario who has started the majority of the team's games this season.
Jared Bednar
He serves as the head coach for the Colorado Avalanche and oversees evaluations of team performance.
The details
To elevate his performance, Blackwood is focusing on peripheral awareness by scanning for opponents in high-danger areas rather than only watching the puck carrier. This adjustment is intended to mitigate defensive lapses that contributed to the team's recent loss.
Timeline
October 13, 2026: Preparation update for Mackenzie Blackwood.
October 14, 2026: Blackwood is scheduled to start against the Dallas Stars.
Season Trajectory
This goaltending selection follows the standard NHL goaltender rotation protocols and impacts the team's defensive stability for upcoming games. Establishing a consistent presence in the net is vital for Colorado to improve their standing within the competitive division.
Blackwood's start confirms he remains the primary choice for the team's current rotation despite the two recent losses. His focus on scanning for threats suggests potential changes in how he handles defensive zone coverage during high-pressure sequences.
The takeaway
Blackwood is prioritizing enhanced spatial awareness to address recent defensive vulnerabilities. Implementing these peripheral scans is a technical move designed to better support his defense during active play.
What happens next
Mackenzie Blackwood is scheduled to start in the game against the Dallas Stars on October 14, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on team updates, visit Denver Hockey.
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