Mackenzie Blackwood Shakes Off Rust After Offseason Surgery Setback, Eyes Full Return

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood's rehabilitation from offseason lower-body surgery experienced an early setback in August, progressing slower than initially anticipated, as confirmed by coach Jared Bednar. Blackwood, who was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 2014, got on the ice in early August but "things weren’t feeling as good," leading to a reevaluation and a new rehab timeline without further complications. He was seen taking shots on September 5 and participated in limited capacity before appearing in an injured-skate group, with a September 30 broadcast confirming his surgery. Despite rejoining the main group on October 6, he missed all of training camp and the preseason. Blackwood made his season debut Saturday, stopping 20 shots in a 3-2 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks, and served as backup Friday. Bednar noted Blackwood is still shaking off rust, but a full week of practice should help him regain timing and sharpness ahead of a road series against the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks. Last season, after being acquired from the San Jose Sharks, Blackwood posted a career-best 2.33 goals against average and a .913 save percentage with a 22-12-3 record in 37 starts for the Avalanche. Scott Wedgewood will start tonight's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.