The 2025-26 NHL season has delivered thrilling playoff races, elite goaltending performances, and major movement in the NHL standings. One of the biggest stories this year has been the rise of the Colorado Avalanche behind standout goalie Mackenzie Blackwood, whose performances helped push Colorado to the top of the league.
The Avalanche finished the regular season with the NHL’s best record and secured the Presidents’ Trophy after collecting 121 points. Colorado also led the league in goal differential and defensive consistency throughout the campaign.
Mackenzie Blackwood Emerging as a Key NHL Star
A major factor behind Colorado’s success has been Mackenzie Blackwood. After joining the Avalanche, the veteran goalie stabilized the crease and became one of the NHL’s most reliable netminders.
Blackwood posted a strong 23-10-2 record during the 2025-26 regular season with a 2.51 goals-against average and three shutouts. His consistency helped Colorado maintain one of the league’s best defensive records.
The Avalanche goaltending tandem of Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood also captured the William M. Jennings Trophy for allowing the fewest goals in the NHL regular season.
NHL Standings Race Intensified Across Both Conferences
While Colorado dominated the Western Conference standings, several other teams made major moves during the season.
In the Eastern Conference, the Carolina Hurricanes finished atop the conference standings, while the Buffalo Sabres ended their long playoff drought by winning the Atlantic Division.
Meanwhile, the Western Conference saw strong campaigns from the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild, but neither could match Colorado’s pace during the regular season.
Blackwood’s Impact in the Stanley Cup Playoffs
Mackenzie Blackwood also became a major storyline during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He returned to action in the second round against Minnesota and delivered crucial performances for Colorado.
Despite Colorado eventually being eliminated by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Finals, Blackwood remained an important figure throughout the postseason.
Analysts and fans now view Blackwood as one of the NHL’s top goaltenders heading into the 2026-27 season. His resurgence with the Avalanche has completely reshaped Colorado’s championship outlook.
NHL Standings Continue to Shape the League’s Future
The latest NHL standings highlight how critical elite goaltending and roster depth have become in today’s game. Teams like the Avalanche proved that defensive stability can separate contenders from the rest of the league.
With stars like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mackenzie Blackwood leading the way, Colorado appears positioned to remain among the NHL’s elite franchises for years to come.
