Who Starts in Net for Colorado in Game 1?

The biggest question heading into Sunday’s playoff opener against Los Angeles may not be about Colorado’s offense — it may be who gets the crease.

All signs point to Scott Wedgewood getting the start for the Avalanche in Game 1.

Colorado has used an unconventional tandem all season between Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood, but recent reporting suggests Wedgewood has earned the first opportunity as the postseason begins. Daily Faceoff noted that while Colorado has maintained a two-goalie approach most of the year, “it’s been apparent all season that Wedgewood is their guy right now,” citing his stronger underlying numbers and steadier play entering the playoffs.

Wedgewood closed the regular season on a high note, recording a shutout against Seattle while finishing with elite numbers, including a .921 save percentage and a 2.02 goals-against average. Those numbers have made it increasingly difficult for Colorado to justify going in any other direction for the opener.

The Colorado Springs Gazette also reported earlier this month that if the playoffs started immediately, Wedgewood would likely receive the Game 1 nod, even if the Avalanche continue rotating both goaltenders deeper into the series. That distinction matters because Colorado appears committed to a non-traditional approach rather than riding one goalie through the entire postseason.

Why Wedgewood Makes Sense

Several factors support the decision:

• He has been Colorado’s hottest goalie entering the playoffs
• His recent form has been more consistent than Blackwood’s
• His rebound control has improved significantly late in the year
• He gives the Avalanche confidence without changing their defensive structure

Los Angeles is a team that thrives on traffic around the crease and second-chance opportunities, so Colorado may prefer the calmer presence Wedgewood has provided over the last few weeks.

Don’t Count Blackwood Out

That does not mean Blackwood disappears.

Colorado could still lean into a true tandem depending on the series. The organization believes both goaltenders can win games, and some analysts expect Blackwood could still see action early if the matchup shifts or if Colorado wants to preserve Wedgewood’s workload.

Prediction

Expected Game 1 starter: Scott Wedgewood

Unless coach Jared Bednar makes a late change, Wedgewood appears to have earned the crease for the most important game of Colorado’s season so far — and the decision could say a lot about how the Avalanche plan to manage their playoff run.