CHICAGO – Scott Wedgewood shone with 22 saves to secure his first shutout of the season, while the Colorado Avalanche extended their winning streak to nine games, after defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 1-0 on Sunday night.
Cale Makar scored a crucial goal late in the second period for the NHL-leading Avalanche. This winning streak is the team’s longest since they achieved nine consecutive victories between March 4 and 24, 2024. Colorado improved their record to 16-1-5 and has earned points in 13 consecutive games (11-0-2) since their only regulation loss to Boston on October 25.
Spencer Knight made 25 saves for the Blackhawks, who suffered their third straight loss after a six-game point streak (5-0-1).
The ninth shutout in Wedgewood’s career gave the Avalanche two in two nights. Colorado was coming off a 3-0 win in Nashville on Saturday, thanks to Mackenzie Blackwood’s 35 saves.
Wedgewood, who has been a backup for most of his career, leads the NHL with 13 wins and had an impressive 2.23 goals-against average before the game.
Makar leads NHL defensemen with nine goals and 29 points. Tristen Nielsen, playing his fourth NHL game, assisted Makar’s goal, earning his first point.
The Blackhawks dominated the scoreless first period, outshooting Colorado 11-2 and testing Wedgewood on several close opportunities. Wedgewood’s most outstanding save may have been against Ryan Green, who fired a direct shot when he was alone in the scoring area with 5:42 remaining.
In the second period, the Avalanche reacted and outshot Chicago 19-1.
Makar finally scored with 1:39 remaining in the second period, with a rebound from the left circle. The goal originated when a clearing pass from Knight was intercepted by Nielsen in the area, who then shot from the right circle.
Chicago pressed at the end of the third period, but Wedgewood made several crucial saves, including a point-blank stop on Frank Nazar with 43 seconds remaining, while Knight was out for an extra attacker.
