Avalanche Make Goalie Decision Before Kings Game
The Colorado Avalanche enter the Stanley Cup playoffs after putting together a better season than anyone else in the NHL, finishing atop the standings and capturing the Presidents' Trophy.
Colorado's success was built on both sides of the puck, with the Avs finishing No. 1 in both goals scored (298) and goals allowed (197) over 82 games.
In the crease, the Avalanche relied on an evenly split tandem featuring Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood.
That created some buzz before the start of the postseason, as there can only be one starter, and that man is the one usually taking over the role full-time during the NHL playoffs.
With the playoffs starting on Sunday for the Avalanche, head coach Jared Bednar had declined to publicly commit to a starter, keeping the decision open heading into the series against the Los Angeles Kings.
According to The Denver Post's Corey Masisak, Bednar confirmed the decision shortly before puck drop, naming Wedgewood as the starter for Game 1.
The start marks a milestone for the 33-year-old, who will make his first career postseason start after previously appearing in four playoff games in relief duties.
Avs Faithful, we play playoff hockey today. pic.twitter.com/MGvBpouWgj
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) April 19, 2026
Wedgewood becomes the eighth-oldest goaltender in NHL history to make a first playoff start, and the oldest since Anton Khudobin in 2020.
His selection follows a regular season in which he posted a 31-6-6 record with a 2.02 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage, both leading the NHL among qualified goaltenders.
Blackwood is expected to serve as the backup for Game 1, and it's unclear if Bednar could rotate goaltenders during the series, similar to its regular-season approach, given the different nature of the playoffs.
Game 1 between Colorado and Los Angeles is set for Sunday, with puck drop at 3 p.m. ET.
Related: Full 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Schedule, Updated Bracket and Results
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This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 11:05 AM.