Aarif Deen
Ross Colton and Mackenzie Blackwood were both not part of the Colorado Avalanche’s plans when the Stanley Cup playoffs started. It took Colton three games to finally make his debut. Blackwood, on the other hand, didn’t get his moment until the seventh game — which was Game 3 of the second round against the Minnesota Wild. And it was a relief appearance.
In Game 4, both guys were key pieces of a crucial 5-2 Avalanche triumph, one that gave them a commanding 3-1 series lead ahead of a potential clincher in Denver.
They both spoke after the game. And they were a topic of discussion for their teammates, too.
Colton complimented Blackwood’s perseverance
“He was awesome all night. He kept us in it. He came to the rink these last couple of weeks. I know it’s hard for him, but they’re an amazing tandem. But he came with the right attitude. He got better every day. When his number was called, he was ready to go. So definitely, credit to him. He kept us in it all night.”
Jared Bednar called it Colton’s best game in a while
“I was super happy for him. That’s a big goal, and I love the emotion that he showed. It’s not like he’s not getting scoring chances, right? He had one earlier in the game – the partial breakaway. It’s just like he needed something to go in for him. It’s been a long grind for him to try and score, he’s been snakebitten a little bit.
“My message to him, just like all of our guys, as long as you’re working and creating those chances, eventually they’ll start going in for you. You’ve just got to relax a little bit. But he’s kept a positive attitude. I’m sure he’s been frustrated at times when some things aren’t going in. But you know, I’ll take one big playoff goal over a handful of regular-season goals every day.”
Colton Said Avalanche’s leadership helped him through rough stretch
“I love scoring. I feel like everybody does. I feel like throughout the year, I was doing a lot of things right, maybe they just weren’t going my way. But it is what it is. And again, I just come to the rink every day trying to get a little bit better.
“We have so many special guys in this room that lead by example. And I try and be a sponge every day with what they’re doing. And everybody kind of feeds off that. So it’s really critical leadership that you know, for myself personally, maybe when things weren’t going my way, whether it’s Landy, Nate, or, whoever are in my ear saying, ‘Stick with it. You’re a big part of this team.’ And on a night like tonight where maybe some guys went down and other guys had to step up. That’s when our number is called and we gotta take charge.”
Bednar said Blackwood Did His Homework on Minnesota
“He was great. I think he went in the net and did exactly what I was hoping he would do. Like I said before, he had some really strong practices in the last week. He’s had some time to prepare, he’s in-tune with what’s going on in the series, and he’s done his homework. I thought that he went in and played a great game for us.”
Landeskog not surprised by big goals from Colton and Parker Kelly
“Doesn’t come as a surprise to us within this locker room. We’ve seen it all season. Those guys are gamers. Hasn’t necessarily come as of late for them, but tonight was big goals, big plays.”