Alexandar Georgiev Takes A Nice Step Forward (+)

Alexandar Georgiev was acquired by the Colorado Avalanche in July this summer as a replacement for Darcy Kuemper. And, we’re all still wondering about him. Can he really be the No. 1 guy?

Georgiev has only gotten one chance to play behind the full defense now, tonight against Dallas, and he looked very good in getting a 2-1 win. It was a nice step forward and likely cemented his status as the No. 1 guy entering opening night next week against Chicago.

“The guys were awesome and they let me see the shots coming from the defense. I have made little adjustments because every goalie coach sees the game a little different,” Georgiev said.

The Avalanche gave a lot to get Georgiev this offseason, giving the New York Rangers three draft picks. The Avalanche gave up their third- and fifth-round picks this year and added in a third-rounder for next year’s draft. Although he has been primarily in a backup role for the New York Rangers, he holds a .908 career save percentage and a 2.94 career goals against.

Georgiev and Kuemper play two different types of games. Kuemper would play more conservatively while Georgiev plays a game very similar to Henrik Lundqvist. Where Kuemper would eat a lot of pucks up on the rebound, Georgiev kicks the puck out to the corners. Kuemper’s style was more in line with what the Avalanche have gone with in the past.

There has been an adjustment process, for sure, and it’ll take time for everybody to get used to each other. That’s normal. There will be some ups and downs too.