The Colorado Avalanche achieved something remarkable on Tuesday night in Buffalo.
Let’s emphasize that right from the start.
After being down 4-0 by the end of the first period, the Avalanche seemed all but defeated against the Sabres. Many fans had witnessed this scenario too many times this season. Starting goaltender Alexandar Georgiev allowed four goals on just eight shots before taking the long skate to the bench, a moment often referred to as the “skate of shame.”
In previous games this season, backup Justus Annunen typically took over when Georgiev struggled. However, that dynamic changed over Thanksgiving weekend when the Avalanche traded Annunen and acquired veteran backup Scott Wedgewood from the Nashville Predators. While many fans were puzzled by the decision to trade a 24-year-old for a 32-year-old, the Colorado front office is now feeling validated.
General Manager Chris MacFarland and President Joe Sakic saw their decision pay off as Wedgewood stepped in and faced 22 shots without allowing a goal. This performance set the stage for a remarkable Avalanche comeback, with the team scoring once in the second period and four times in the third to secure a stunning 5-4 victory.
Nathan MacKinnon scored twice, and Artturi Lehkonen netted the game-winner, bringing the Avalanche’s record to 14-12-0. While this may not look impressive at first glance, given the numerous injuries they’ve faced, many fans are satisfied.
However, the impressive win in Buffalo doesn’t erase the major concern looming over the team: Georgiev continues to be an issue. Annunen struggled as well, and his poor performances led to his departure. The question now is whether Georgiev could be next.
Heading into Tuesday night’s game, Georgiev had an average of 3.31 goals against per game and a dismal .875 save percentage, ranking 44th and 48th in the NHL, respectively. With only 32 teams in the league, those numbers are unacceptable, especially after his lackluster performance against the Sabres.
Some may argue that the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 2022 without stellar goaltending, but let’s temper any negativity directed at Darcy Kuemper and Pavel Francouz. Neither was as ineffective as Georgiev has been this season, as we approach the one-third mark.
One comeback victory against a mediocre Buffalo team doesn’t change the reality for Sakic and MacFarland. They must make a significant move in the goaltending department in the coming months. Georgiev should be traded, and an experienced goalie capable of leading a Cup run needs to be brought in.
While executing such a trade is challenging, it’s a necessary step for Colorado. Mikko Rantanen should remain untouchable despite not having a new contract, but if including players like Ross Colton, Nikolai Kovalenko, or Ivan Ivan is what it takes, that may need to happen.
The Avalanche cannot afford to waste the prime years of MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Rantanen due to a struggling goalie. It wouldn’t be fair to these talented players, who deserve multiple championships in an Avalanche uniform.
Hopefully, the comeback against the Sabres signals a turning point for Colorado’s season, as Wedgewood has shown he can step up as a reliable backup. However, the need for a significant trade to strengthen the goaltending position remains critical.
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