Exclusive Injury Update: Avalanche’s Scott Wedgewood Sidelined With Upper-Body Injury

DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Vancouver Canucks 3-1 Tuesday night at Ball Arena, securing their second consecutive win and improving their league-best record to 19-1-6. However, the victory did not come without a scare, and perhaps more.

Scott Wedgewood exited midway through the second period with an upper-body injury, an unexpected turn that emerged during a TV timeout.

At the moment of the injury, the Avalanche and Canucks were tied 1–1. Mackenzie Blackwood took over as Wedgewood headed down the tunnel after facing 11 shots and turning aside 10 of them.

With Blackwood in net, Colorado delivered a poised and disciplined late-period push. The Avalanche scored twice in the final seven minutes of the second frame, establishing a 3–1 lead at intermission, a margin that held for the remainder of the night.

Bednar explained to the media that Wedgewood was pulled for precautionary reasons.

“He just tightened up a little bit (around) his back,” he stated. “So we thought we’d take him out. Better safe than sorry, but we’ll see how his injury develops over the next couple of days, take it from there. Nothing too serious at this point.”

The Avalanche are set to begin a four-game road trip on Thursday against the New York Islanders. When asked if Wedgewood was expected to travel with the team, Bednar responded, “Yes.” He was also asked whether they would bring a third goalie, to which he added, “Don’t know yet.”

It would mark a setback for Colorado if Wedgewood is unable to play. The 33-year-old has been the NHL’s top goaltender so far this season, leading the league with 13 wins while posting a 2.08 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage.

Just over a year ago, Wedgewood was acquired by the Avalanche in a trade with the Nashville Predators in exchange for Justus Annunen. In 19 game for Colorado, Wedgewood posted a 13-4-1 record with a 1.99 goals against average and a .917 save percentage.

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