Avalanche Goalie Georgiev Bounces Back in Game 2 Win, Credits Teammates’ Support

WINNIPEG – After a disastrous Game 1 outing, Colorado Avalanche goaltender Alexandar Georgiev responded with a stellar performance on Tuesday night, stopping 28 of 30 shots to help his team to a 5-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets and even their Western Conference first round series at 1-1.

Georgiev was under the microscope heading into Game 2 after being pulled in the series opener on Sunday when he surrendered seven goals on just 16 shots faced. However, the 27-year-old netminder displayed tremendous resolve, leading the Avalanche to a crucial road win thanks in large part to the unwavering support from his teammates and coaches.

“They’ve shown so much support to me over the last couple days,” Georgiev said after the victory. “Very rough first game, obviously. I just felt so much trust in the room from everybody. I appreciate it so much. It helped me reset and I know that they got my back.”

Georgiev’s ability to shake off his Game 1 struggles and deliver a strong bounce-back performance was made possible by the confidence instilled in him by the Avalanche dressing room.

“I know I’ll help them out as well during these playoffs,” Georgiev added. “It was huge from them. I appreciate it.”

Colorado head coach Jared Bednar was also full of praise for his goaltender, defending Georgiev against any outside criticism after an admittedly poor showing in the series opener.

“He’s a veteran guy who has played a lot of big games,” Bednar said. “We have all the confidence in the world in him. He just had an off night in Game 1 and we’re going to need him going forward.”

Georgiev rewarded that faith, keeping the potent Jets offense at bay for most of the night while his teammates provided enough scoring support to secure the road victory.

The questions surrounding Colorado’s goaltending only intensified after their forgettable regular season meetings with Winnipeg. The Avalanche were 0-3 against the Jets, including a 7-0 drubbing on April 13 in which Georgiev was pulled after allowing four goals.

However, Georgiev’s strong Game 2 outing, coupled with the conviction shown by his coaches and teammates, has helped silence those doubters, at least for now.

While the playoff road is still long, the ability for Georgiev to shake off adversity and deliver in a crucial game speaks volumes about his mental fortitude and the positive environment cultivated within the Avalanche locker room.

As the series now shifts back to Colorado for Games 3 and 4, the Avalanche will undoubtedly lean on that resilient attitude and team-first mentality that has them believing in Georgiev’s capabilities between the pipes.

With the series knotted at one game apiece, home ice advantage returns to the defending Stanley Cup champions. And with a goaltender playing with renewed confidence after receiving a boost from his supporting cast, the Avalanche will look to ride that momentum and take control of this opening round showdown.