Avalanche Defeat Predators 5-2 With Blackwood Debut

Mackenzie Blackwood made an impressive debut for the Colorado Avalanche, stopping 38 shots in a 5-2 victory over the Nashville Predators. Nathan MacKinnon and Artturi Lehkonen each scored two goals, while Ross Colton contributed another, helping Colorado overcome a late surge from Nashville. Blackwood, acquired from the San Jose Sharks earlier in the week, held off Nashville's offense until Steven Stamkos scored with just under seven minutes left in the game. The Avalanche's win marked a turnaround after struggling with goaltending issues earlier in the season. Despite the loss, the Predators' top line remained active but lacked scoring until late in the game. Colorado's MacKinnon now leads the NHL in points with 50, continuing a strong scoring run in December.