Nathan MacKinnon and Mackenzie Blackwood were the two stars of the Avalanche’s 5-0 shutout victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.
Blackwood made 28 saves to earn his third shutout of the season. And MacKinnon, who hadn’t scored in five games, recorded two goals and three points to become the first player to 40 goals and second to reach 90 points this year.
Colorado’s starting goalie often gets praised by his teammates when he has games like this. He settles things down in the crease and makes it easier for the skaters to play their game without worrying about shaky goaltending.
But if you’ve followed Blackwood’s career in Denver, it’s usually his praise — his quotes about his teammates that have the highest entertainment value.
READ MORE: Postgame Wrap: Blackwood, Avalanche Blank Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena
I asked Blackwood if, after 14 months in Colorado, he’s ever surprised anymore when he sees MacKinnon take over games like this.
“I’m never fucking surprised. I’m never surprised. No,” Blackwood said.
If that’s the case, when was the last time MacKinnon did something that surprised Blackwood?
“Like, maybe the first week I was here and then you’re just like numb to it at that point,” he said. “You’re used to seeing him and Cale [Makar], all the guys, just what they do, and just kind of take it for granted. It’s pretty special.”
Head coach Jared Bednar often says that the Avs, their front office, coaching staff, and fans are spoiled. It’s not something that should be taken for granted. What MacKinnon can do isn’t something most teams see unless the Avalanche or other skilled teams are in town.
The Red Wings are a good example of a young up-and-coming team with a lot of the pieces in place for a playoff contender. But they don’t have a MacKinnon.
Despit their resurgence this season, the media in Detroit doesn’t get to watch what the media in Denver sees everyday.
Blackwood said it after the game and Bednar echoed those comments yet again. It shouldn’t ever be taken for granted.
Several Red Wings media members in the pressbox are marveling at how good Nathan MacKinnon is.
I overheard: “Even after a 2-minute power play, he’s still dancing around everyone.”
— Aarif Deen (@runwriteAarif) January 31, 2026
