Despite Blackwood's incredible play, the Avs have been scuffling in the new year. They've gone 4-2-1 in 2025, alternating wins and losses as their offence has started to dry up. Contrast that with the Oilers, who have won seven of their past eight, including two shutouts from Stuart Skinner and five four-goal nights from the offence.

What an incredible bounceback for the Avalanche. They needed Casey Mittelstadt to get things figured out and he did. His linemates were a big reason why.

When the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers get together, there’s an overflow of offensive firepower available.

New York is led by forward Artemi Panarin (17 goals, 28 assists) and defenseman Adam Fox, who has two goals and 31 assists this season. Goaltender Igor Shesterkin has a solid 2.98 goals-against average despite a 13-15-1 record.

There’s no shame in getting beat by Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers are the rare team that can create more puck magic than the Avs. Their firepower can be unnerving, and their possession time can be frustrating.

The Colorado Avalanche are again Stanley Cup contenders in 2024-25 -- but they should move on from this player ahead of the deadline.