The Colorado Avalanche secured a narrow 1-0 victory against the Utah Mammoth on March 15, 2024, thanks to a standout performance by goaltender Scott Wedgewood. His impressive save during the second period preserved the team’s home winning streak as they headed into the holiday break. This win also solidified their position in the President’s Trophy race, giving them a five-point lead.
Wedgewood’s dark navy blue goalie pads, which matched his glove, played an unexpected role in the game. His critical save against a breakaway from Clayton Keller not only showcased his skills but also benefited from the color coordination. With 4:45 remaining in the second period, Wedgewood made a glove save that was initially ruled a no-goal but was subject to review. The lack of definitive evidence on the puck’s position contributed to the decision, with Avalanche coach Jared Bednar acknowledging the impact of Wedgewood’s gear choice.
“There’s a good chance that puck was in,” Bednar said. “But you’ve got to be able to see it in, right? It’s pretty hard to see it in if it’s in his glove.” The play’s review highlighted the challenges within the NHL’s current system, which lacks comprehensive puck-tracking technology.
As the game progressed, the Avalanche took the lead with a backhanded goal from Sam Girard. Wedgewood’s shutout marked his second of the season and his first with over 30 saves, totaling 32 throughout the match. His performance was particularly crucial, given that this was only the second time in 36 games that Colorado failed to score multiple goals. Wedgewood’s ability to maintain composure against high-danger scoring opportunities exemplified his skill on the ice.
The Avalanche continue to dominate the league, achieving a record of 27 wins, 2 losses, and 7 overtime losses (27-2-7). They have now reached 61 points before the Christmas break, a feat unmatched since the NHL instituted a holiday break in the 1972-73 season. They are also the second-fastest team to reach the 60-point mark, trailing only the 1929-30 Boston Bruins. Their goal differential stands at an impressive +27, significantly better than any other team in the league.
Team captain Gabe Landeskog expressed confidence in their performance thus far, attributing their success to a combination of individual efforts and team cohesion. “We’ve been able to stay healthy here in the first half of the year. We’ve had some great individual performances, but it also feels like there are different guys stepping up every single night,” he noted.
The victory over Utah caps off a strong stretch for the Avalanche, who have won six consecutive games and 13 straight at home. Wedgewood’s performance, combined with the team’s overall consistency, positions them well as they approach the second half of the season.
As the NHL breaks for the holidays, Wedgewood enters the midseason with impressive statistics, leading the league in save percentage at .924, goals allowed average at 2.01, and total wins with 16. His choice of darker gear proved to be a savvy decision on a night where every play mattered.
“Maybe the dark gear helped me a little bit,” Wedgewood mused after the game, reflecting on a night where every detail contributed to their hard-fought victory.
