Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood has emerged as the team's starting goalie during the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs [1].
Wedgewood's sudden ascent to the starting role provides the Avalanche with critical stability in goal as they navigate high-stakes series against teams like the Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators [2].
The goaltender has posted a 6-0 record so far in the post-season [2]. His performance includes a .923 save percentage [2]. Wedgewood said, "I'm aiming to go 7-0 in the post-season" [1].
This transition follows a period of instability in the crease. Head coach Jared Bednar decided to entrust Wedgewood with the starting role after the goaltender showed strong regular-season form. Bednar said, "We gave everyone else on our roster a chance to sort of respond and bounce back, and I felt like it was the right call to go back with (goalie Scott Wedgewood) and give him that opportunity" [3].
Wedgewood's rise is being viewed as a significant narrative of the current playoffs. One reporter said that Wedgewood is one of the NHL playoffs' best stories [2].
His path to the starting role has been long and varied. Reports on his early career differ; one source indicates he had played 24 NHL games six years ago [1], while another reports he had not played a single NHL game during that same period [4]. Regardless of those early totals, the Avalanche organization's belief in his current capability has become a focal point for the team's success this month [3].
“I'm aiming to go 7-0 in the post-season.”
Wedgewood's success represents a high-reward gamble by the Avalanche coaching staff. By pivoting to a veteran who had previously been an afterthought in the depth chart, Colorado has found the consistency needed for a deep playoff run. His ability to maintain a high save percentage while remaining undefeated puts the team in a strong position to advance further in the Western Conference.
