Controversial Goal Leads to Avalanche Goalie’s Early Exit, But Colorado Still Wins

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In a dramatic turn of events during Thursday’s matchup against the Buffalo Sabres, Colorado Avalanche goalie Scott Wedgewood found himself exiting the ice with an apparent injury. The incident, which stirred controversy, unfolded early in the third period.

As the Sabres’ Zach Benson crashed into Wedgewood’s crease area, the contact sent Wedgewood sprawling, pain evident as he clutched his legs. Benson didn’t waste any time getting back on his feet; retrieving the puck from behind the net, he managed a wraparound goal with Wedgewood immobilized.

Surprisingly, the referees allowed the goal to stand, boosting the Sabres to a 4-2 advantage at that moment.

Wedgewood required assistance to leave the rink, never to return for the remainder of the game. Up until his exit, Wedgewood had faced 18 shots, conceding four goals, translating to a .778 save percentage. However, the Avalanche rallied back to clinch a 6-5 victory in overtime, a testament to their resilience.

This injury couldn’t have come at a more inopportune time for the Avalanche, who had finally settled their goaltending situation by acquiring Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood not too long ago. Prior to this game, Wedgewood had put up respectable numbers: a 5-4-1 record, .908 save percentage, one shutout, and a +0.75 goals saved above expected across 11 games. Particularly during his stint with the Avalanche, he boasted a 4-2-0 record, shining with a .932 save percentage, a shutout, and a +5.06 goals saved above expected through just six games.

With Wedgewood sidelined, Mackenzie Blackwood stepped up, allowing one goal on three shots and earning the win. Should Wedgewood’s condition sideline him for an extended period, Blackwood is expected to shoulder more of the starting responsibilities.

So far, Blackwood has delivered solid performances this season, holding an 11-10-3 record and a .917 save percentage, alongside one shutout and a notable +11.46 goals saved above expected in 25 appearances. His stats with the Avalanche alone—5-1-0 record, .936 save percentage, and +5.05 goals saved above expected from six games—underline his readiness to take on a larger role if needed.