Within the wake of a 5-2 loss to the lowly Chicago Blackhawks on Monday, the Colorado Avalanche are 5-5-0 by the primary 10 video games, starting 0-4-0 earlier than ripping off 5 straight wins. Nonetheless, there’s a obtrusive drawback staring them within the face, and that’s goaltender Alex Georgiev.
After all, Georgiev was a possible subject earlier than the season began. However nobody anticipated him to change into a legal responsibility. He shouldn’t be beginning video games, and the Avalanche must make a transfer proper now if they need an opportunity to win when Justus Annunen can’t begin.
Georgiev’s Numbers Converse for Themselves…
Even for those who haven’t seen any Avalanche hockey this season, it’s unimaginable to overlook what is going on with Georgiev. Listed here are his numbers: 1-4-0, 4.62 goals-against common, and .822 save share. These are disastrous.
Go granular, and it’s simply as dangerous. In his finest efficiency this season, Georgiev allowed three objectives – one thing he’s executed in three of his 5 begins. He allowed 4 and 5 objectives, respectively, in his different two begins. A group that’s anticipated to contend for a division championship and presumably a Stanley Cup can’t afford that form of goaltending.
Georgiev has already needed to handle his struggles, which couldn’t have helped his confidence. He’s already carried the nickname “4-giev,” which isn’t endearing. His contract was at all times going to be a problem previous this season, however he’s gone from “stable however can’t win you a playoff collection” to “can’t afford to start out him in any respect.”
…However the Avs’ Vibes Change, Too
What’s most noticeable is how the group modifications when he’s in web. Not each objective scored on him has been his fault, and there have been occasions when group protection has been missing, however the vibes are totally different when Annunen begins versus when Georgiev does.
Cale Makar, for instance, is on a tempo that few NHL defensemen have reached. Within the loss to the Blackhawks, he made historical past by turning into simply the fourth defenseman to register a degree in his first 10 video games. He’s nearly as good because the place has ever seen. However when Georgiev is in web, Makar performs with a tightness, as if he’s making an attempt too arduous to be excellent, and errors observe. When Annunen is in objective, his recreation feels freer and extra relaxed – it’s one thing the stats can’t illustrate.
Commerce Georgiev or Ship Him Down
Buying and selling Georgiev feels unlikely proper now. Certain, a number of groups would most likely give him a shot, on condition that he’s an unrestricted free agent subsequent season. That mentioned, his current play has lowered any commerce worth he might need possessed. Buying and selling him can be to easily take away him from the equation.
Sending him to the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League (AHL) now appears most prudent. He might get in a number of begins to achieve some confidence again, and the door would doubtlessly be open for him to present it one other go if he regains his competence.
Within the meantime, Kaapo Kahkonen must be serviceable in spot responsibility. There isn’t a plethora of different choices on the market, at the least none that wouldn’t have a large influence on the Avalanche’s future. It’s a bridge, a stopgap that might wind up understanding or simply hold every thing the place it’s now.
It’s the Justus Annunen Present Now
For now, the Avalanche should proceed to start out Annunen. His pattern measurement may be very small. In all chance, he’ll degree out and change into higher than common, at finest. However for now, he’s been the higher of the 2 goaltenders, and he’s the best choice out there to the group.
Associated: Avalanche Can Be Darkhorse Contenders in Robust Central Division
The Avalanche have the expertise to cope with a plethora of worthwhile reinforcements coming earlier than the brand new yr. All of that can be for nought if the goaltending submarines their place within the standings. With Georgiev within the image, that continues to be a really actual chance, one which have to be addressed sooner reasonably than later.
