Goaltending rumors already? It’s hardly surprising when your goaltenders have conceded a total of 21 goals in just four games.
On one side, there’s a notion that the Avalanche might not need a change, merely an improvement from Alexandar Georgiev. Frankie Corrado expressed this idea on TSN Thursday. Conversely, Sportsnet’s NHL Insider, Elliotte Friedman, suggests that Colorado’s management must consider alternative options, even this early in the season.
“There’s no doubt the Avalanche are evaluating this situation and asking themselves, ‘What can we do? How do we resolve this? Do we need to look elsewhere?’” Friedman commented regarding the Avs’ goaltending issues on the 32 Thoughts podcast. “That doesn’t guarantee action, but they have to be exploring it.”
Friedman speculated about two particular names connected to Colorado. However, it appeared more like conjecture than confirmed reports. The seasoned Insider typically avoids making unfounded claims; he usually only shares insights with some basis. The first name he mentioned is MacKenzie Blackwood — once envisioned as the future star of the New Jersey Devils and a hopeful for Team Canada in the Olympics. Currently, Blackwood plays for San Jose, where he’s faced an overwhelming number of high-danger shots in the last two seasons.
The second name referenced was John Gibson. The veteran goalie from Anaheim has lost his starting position to young Lukas Dostal. Gibson won’t be available in the lineup on Friday when the Avs take on Anaheim, as he’s recovering from an appendectomy.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Blackwood is someone they’re at least considering, thinking, ‘If we go this route, could he solve our issue?’ It’s hard to imagine they’re not examining this possibility, regardless of the outcome,” Friedman stated. “As for Gibson, it’s essential that he remains healthy. Someone raised the question of whether Gibson would be the ideal answer for the Avalanche’s needs. Theoretically, the answer is yes, as he’s a capable goalie who could make a difference. But health has always been a concern for him.”
The two goalies provide the Avs with distinctly different levels of commitment. Blackwood, an impending unrestricted free agent, is in the final year of a contract worth $2.35 million annually. Acquiring him could grant the Avs greater flexibility heading into the offseason, especially with Georgiev’s contract set to expire. On the other hand, Gibson is in a contrasting situation, locked into a deal worth $6.4 million for multiple more years. Comparatively, Gibson ranks among the higher-paid goalies in the league, despite the recent contracts signed by other NHL netminders.
“The contract is manageable. If you believe the player is worth it, you’ll find a way to accommodate the salary,” Friedman remarked. “With only two years remaining, there’s not too much hesitation over that term if he performs well. The priority is his health — he must demonstrate he can stay on the ice.”
“It’s hard to fathom that the Avalanche aren’t assessing their goalie situation. [Head coach Jared] Bednar is publicly stating all the appropriate things. That’s part of his role — boosting team morale, preventing any negative vibes, and ensuring no signs of giving up on his player. But it’s the front office’s responsibility to ask, ‘What are our alternatives?’ When I looked at potential goaltenders who might be available or make sense, Blackwood was a name that caught my attention.”
Determining the Avalanche’s course of action regarding goaltending is challenging. Last season, similar discussions started quite early. However, given Georgiev’s strong performance during the 2022-23 season, he wasn’t the name being debated. Instead, the focus shifted to bringing someone in to lighten his workload as a backup. Pavel Francouz got injured before the season began, Ivan Prosvetov didn’t deliver, and Justus Annunen hadn’t shown enough promise to warrant an opportunity before the arrival of 2024.
Ultimately, they refrained from making any goalie changes and opted to elevate Annunen instead. He performed adequately in a backup role towards the end of the season, though he mainly faced less formidable opponents.
The reality is, Colorado does face a goaltending dilemma. Whether Georgiev is part of the solution or not, the current arrangement of him starting with Annunen as backup isn’t working. If you’re curious about Bednar’s reluctance to start Annunen after five games, consider his relief performance in a game against Columbus that they could have won. He came in with the team down 3-1 early in the second period. Before even facing a shot, Colorado scored twice, tying it at 3-3. However, he then allowed a goal on his first shot and two out of the first five he faced, ultimately letting the game slip away against a less competitive team. All the momentum vanished instantly.
Thus, it’s not simply a case of needing to replace Georgiev; Bednar lacks two goalies he can rely on — he barely has one.
Is Blackwood the solution? Or could it be Gibson? I’m unsure. However, I am confident that Kaapo Kahkonen will be given every chance to serve as backup this year once he arrives in Denver. If Georgiev continues to struggle by mid-to-late November, then perhaps trading him for one of the two previously mentioned options would be a prudent move. Change is necessary — even if it means Georgiev shares duties with another capable goalie willing to take on starting responsibilities when required.
Colorado Avalanche’s Goaltending Dilemma: Time for a Change?
Understanding the Current Goaltending Situation
The Colorado Avalanche has long been recognized for their offensive prowess. However, the team’s goaltending situation has become a topic of heated debate among fans and analysts alike. As the NHL season progresses, questions arise: Is the current goaltending duo meeting expectations? Should the Avalanche consider making changes before the playoffs? In this article, we will dive deep into the Avalanche’s goaltending dilemma, analyzing the statistics, potential replacements, and what the future might hold.
Current Goaltending Performance
The Avalanche currently relies on two key goaltenders: Darcy Kuemper and Alexandar Georgiev. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, which significantly impact the team’s overall performance.
Statistics Overview
To better assess the goaltenders’ contributions, let’s look at their current season statistics:
| Goaltender | Games Played | Wins | Losses | Goals Against Average (GAA) | Save Percentage (SV%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darcy Kuemper | 25 | 15 | 10 | 2.80 | .911 |
| Alexandar Georgiev | 20 | 12 | 8 | 2.50 | .920 |
Analysis of Statistics
- Goals Against Average (GAA)
- Kuemper’s GAA of 2.80 indicates he allows more goals than desired, while Georgiev’s 2.50 shows he is slightly more effective.
- Save Percentage (SV%)
- Georgiev’s .920 save percentage suggests he is more reliable in stopping shots on goal compared to Kuemper’s .911.
Evaluating the Goaltending Duo
Both Kuemper and Georgiev have shown flashes of brilliance but also moments of inconsistency. Let’s break down their performances further.
1. Darcy Kuemper
As a former Stanley Cup champion with the Avalanche, Kuemper has the experience and skill set to be a top-tier goaltender. However, his recent performances have raised eyebrows.
- Strengths:
- Strong positional play
- Experience in high-stakes games
- Weaknesses:
- Inconsistency in crucial games
- Struggles with rebound control
2. Alexandar Georgiev
Georgiev’s emergence as a reliable backup has been a breath of fresh air for the Avalanche. His ability to step up when needed has made him a fan favorite.
- Strengths:
- Solid fundamentals
- Ability to make acrobatic saves
- Weaknesses:
- Experience in high-pressure situations is limited
- Needs to improve on puck handling
Potential Trade Targets
If the Avalanche decides to pursue a trade for a goaltender, there are several intriguing options available:
1. Joonas Korpisalo (Columbus Blue Jackets)
Korpisalo has shown flashes of brilliance and could bring solid goaltending depth to the Avalanche.
2. Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets)
Hellebuyck is one of the league’s elite goaltenders. Acquiring him would be a significant investment but could pay off in the long run.
3. John Gibson (Anaheim Ducks)
Gibson has been a consistent performer for the Ducks and could provide the Avalanche with a reliable option in net.
Benefits of Making a Change
Should the Avalanche decide to shake things up in their goaltending department, there are several benefits to consider:
- Increased competition: Bringing in a new goaltender could push Kuemper and Georgiev to perform at their best.
- Fresh perspective: A new face in the net can reignite the team’s energy and confidence.
- Playoff readiness: Having a reliable goaltender in the playoffs is crucial for championship aspirations.
Practical Tips for the Avalanche’s Goaltending Strategy
- Monitor player performance closely: Analyze game footage and stats regularly to identify trends and areas for improvement.
- Implement goaltending drills: Focus on specialized drills that improve reaction time, positioning, and rebound control.
- Consider player psychology: Provide psychological support and resources to help goaltenders handle pressure situations better.
Case Studies: Teams That Benefited from a Goaltender Change
Historically, several teams have made successful goaltender changes that led to significant improvements:
1. St. Louis Blues (2019)
The Blues made an in-season change that brought Jordan Binnington to the forefront, leading them to a Stanley Cup victory.
2. Tampa Bay Lightning (2020)
After acquiring and trusting Andrei Vasilevskiy, the Lightning won back-to-back championships, highlighting the importance of a stable goaltending situation.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Players
Many players emphasize the importance of having a stable goaltending situation. “When our goalie is on, it gives us all confidence,” said Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen. This sentiment is echoed throughout the locker room, underlining the vital role goaltenders play in a team’s success.
Conclusion
The Colorado Avalanche’s goaltending situation is undoubtedly a critical aspect of the team’s overall performance. As the season progresses, it will be essential for management to evaluate the situation thoroughly. With the potential for upgrades and the importance of goaltending in the playoffs, the Avalanche must ask themselves: Is it time for a change?
