avalanche vs sharks

Avalanche vs. Sharks: A High-Stakes Showdown with a Goalie’s Homecoming

The upcoming Colorado Avalanche vs. San Jose Sharks matchup on November 1, 2025, has all the ingredients of a must-watch NHL clash: a returning goaltender facing his former team, a battle between a playoff contender and a rebuilding squad, and a game with major fantasy hockey implications. But beyond the stats and standings, this game carries emotional weight, strategic intrigue, and a narrative that’s already making waves in the Canadian hockey world.

Let’s break down why this game is more than just another Western Conference tilt.

The Story: A Goalie’s Return to San Jose

The headline story? Mackenzie Blackwood is expected to make his season debut for the Colorado Avalanche against the San Jose Sharks, the team that traded him just months ago.

According to Yahoo Sports, Blackwood is “expected to start against his former team,” marking a dramatic return to the SAP Center at San Jose. The 28-year-old goaltender, who was acquired by the Avalanche in the offseason, has been sidelined with a lower-body injury, delaying his debut until now.

“Mackenzie Blackwood expected to start against former team,” Yahoo Sports, October 31, 2025.

This isn’t just a routine lineup decision. It’s a homecoming with stakes. Blackwood spent five seasons with the Sharks, posting a .904 save percentage and becoming a fan favorite in San Jose. Now, he’ll be in the opposing crease, trying to shut down the team that once counted on him.

For Canadian fans, Blackwood’s journey is especially compelling. A native of St. Catharines, Ontario, he’s one of the few homegrown netminders to rise through the OHL and NHL ranks with consistent flashes of brilliance. His return to form—and to the Shark Tank—could be a turning point in the Avalanche’s goaltending depth.

Recent Updates: What’s Confirmed (and What’s Not)

Let’s separate verified facts from speculation, as per journalistic best practices.

✅ Verified: The Starting Goalie and Lineup Preview

• Mackenzie Blackwood is projected to start for the Avalanche, according to Yahoo Sports and NHL.com. This is the first official confirmation of his return from injury.
• The NHL.com game preview for November 1, 2025, includes projected lineups for both teams. While not finalized, these give a strong indication of how both squads will line up:
• Avalanche: Nathan MacKinnon centering Mikko Rantanen and Valeri Nichushkin; Cale Makar and Devon Toews anchoring the blue line.
• Sharks: Celebrini (if healthy) with William Eklund and Tyler Toffoli; Vitek Vanecek or Georgi Romanov in net.

“Avalanche at Sharks projected lineups,” NHL.com, October 31, 2025.

• The game is a matinee, with puck drop scheduled for 2:08 p.m. MT (4:08 p.m. ET)—a rare early start that could impact player rhythm, especially for the Avalanche, who are playing their fourth matinee game in seven days.

✅ Verified: Fantasy Hockey Implications

• The Hockey News spotlighted the Sharks-Avalanche matchup as a key fantasy hockey event, naming Andrei Svechnikov (Necas), William Eklund, and Logan Couture (if returning) as waiver wire pickups.
• The article notes that Eklund and Smith (likely referring to Will Smith, the Sharks’ rookie phenom) are “highlighting” the game due to their recent scoring surges and increased ice time.

“NHL Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Pickups: Forwards, November 1 – Necas, Eklund, Smith Highlight Sharks-Avalanche Matchup,” The Hockey News, October 31, 2025.

⚠️ Unverified: Injury Updates and Line Combinations

• Reports suggest Mackenzie Blackwood is “likely” to start, but the Avalanche have not made an official announcement. The team has been cautious with his rehab, so a last-minute change isn’t out of the question.
• Will Smith (Sharks rookie) and Macklin Celebrini (top 2024 draft pick) may be game-time decisions due to minor injuries. Their status could drastically affect the Sharks’ offensive threat.
• The Avalanche’s PK depth has been tested recently, with key defensemen like Sam Girard and Bowen Byram logging heavy penalty-killing minutes. Their ability to handle the Sharks’ power play (ranked 28th in the league) will be crucial.

Note: These details are based on supplementary reporting and require confirmation.

Context: Why This Game Matters Beyond the Scoreboard

The Avalanche: Contenders with Depth Questions

The Colorado Avalanche (7-1-4) are off to a strong start, sitting near the top of the Central Division. Their 4-1-2 road record shows they can win away from Ball Arena, but their goaltending depth has been a concern.

With Alexandar Georgiev starting the previous night in Vegas, the Avalanche need Blackwood to step up. His return isn’t just symbolic—it’s strategic. If he can stabilize the net, Colorado can rotate goalies more effectively, preserving Georgiev for high-pressure games.

“The early bird gets the worm,” noted one fan blog. “Today, they play their fourth matinee game in seven days… fatigue could be a factor.”

The Sharks: Rebuilding, But Not Rolling Over

The San Jose Sharks (3-6-2) are in a rebuild, but they’re not pushovers. They’ve gone 3-3-2 in games where they score three or more goals, showing flashes of offensive potential.

With Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini leading a new generation, the Sharks are investing in youth. This game is a chance to measure their progress against a Stanley Cup contender. Beating the Avalanche—even in a matinee—would be a statement win.

“San Jose has gone 1-3-2 in home games,” notes NHL.com. “But they’ve shown they can compete when the offense clicks.”

The Blackwood Factor: Emotional Weight Meets Professional Duty

For Blackwood, this game is personal. He was drafted by the Sharks in 2015 and developed into a starting-caliber goalie. Now, he’s facing them in a new jersey.

In hockey culture, facing your former team is a rite of passage. For goalies, it’s even more intense—every shot, every save, every goal against is magnified.

“It’s always emotional,” said a former NHL goalie on a recent podcast. “You want to prove you’re still the same guy they traded away. But you also don’t want to overthink it. Just play your game.”

For Canadian fans, Blackwood’s journey reflects a broader trend: homegrown goalies rising in the NHL. With Jacob Markstrom, Jordan Binnington, and Igor Shesterkin leading their teams, the position is more competitive than ever.

Immediate Effects: What This Game Changes Right Now

For the Avalanche:

• A win solidifies their status as a top-tier team in the West.
• Blackwood’s performance will determine if he can be a reliable 1B or even 1A goalie.
• A strong showing could ease pressure on Georgiev, who has carried the load early.

For the Sharks:

• A win over a top team boosts morale and gives young players confidence.
• Eklund, Smith, and Celebrini gain valuable experience against elite competition.
• A loss, however, could deepen concerns about their defensive structure and goaltending consistency.

For Fantasy Hockey Players (Especially in Canada):

• William Eklund (C, RW) is a **top waiver