DETROIT — The Colorado Avalanche are looking for more consistent performances from Alexandar Georgiev as they focus on the broader scope of the 2024-25 season, yet his teammates in front of their struggling goaltender truly required him to step up on Saturday night. And step up he did. With an impressive showing from Georgiev and […]
DETROIT — The Colorado Avalanche are looking for more consistent performances from Alexandar Georgiev as they focus on the broader scope of the 2024-25 season, yet his teammates in front of their struggling goaltender truly required him to step up on Saturday night.
And step up he did.
With an impressive showing from Georgiev and a vital power-play goal from the top line, the Avalanche fought hard to secure a 2-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Georgiev navigated some challenging moments in the first two periods before his team delivered one of their strongest defensive displays in the third.
The Red Wings managed just one shot on goal in the first 17 minutes of the third period before a late surge with the goalie off. In that crucial stretch, Georgiev showcased his skills with six saves in a mere 17 seconds.
“He was exceptional,” stated Avs coach Jared Bednar. “Especially when it was critical. Key saves to maintain a 1-0 lead, key saves to preserve a 2-1 advantage, and then the flurry at the conclusion.”
“(Georgiev) was phenomenal in helping us secure that victory.”
Valeri Nichushkin opened the scoring for the Avalanche, netting the only goal in the first period. Nichushkin’s first attempt hit a Detroit defenseman, but he pounced on the loose puck and capitalized on his second chance.
This marks Nichushkin’s sixth goal of the season in 11 games. He also scored three consecutive goals for the team, including the last two that kept them competitive until the end in Thursday’s contest in Raleigh, N.C.
“He’s an incredibly impactful player,” remarked Avs defenseman Cale Makar. “He can slot in virtually anywhere — the top two lines, penalty kill, power play — you name it. He’s been critical for us. He logs a lot of minutes and is starting to find his rhythm.”
“When he’s moving his feet, there’s really nobody in the league who can contain him.”
The Avalanche took a lead after the first period for only the sixth time this season and for the first time in 15 games. Colorado is now 6-0 in matchups where they lead at the first intermission.
Ross Colton, in his first game back since October 28 due to a broken foot, drew a penalty early in the second period. The Avalanche’s leading power-play unit has cooled down recently but didn’t take long to capitalize on the opportunity against Detroit’s 31st-ranked penalty kill.
Makar exchanged passes with Nathan MacKinnon before finding a lane near the offensive zone’s top. Nichushkin provided a solid screen in front, leading to Makar’s ninth goal of the season. MacKinnon tops the NHL with 32 assists, while Makar leads all defensemen with nine goals and 35 points.
“It’s fantastic,” Makar said of the power play success. “Val set a great screen in front of the net. That wouldn’t have happened without him or (Artturi Lehkonen) in the slot.”
The Avs maintained a two-goal cushion for a good portion of the second period but weren’t at their best, eventually allowing the Red Wings to register a goal. Lucas Raymond deflected a Dylan Larkin shot from the perimeter with 1:47 remaining in the middle period.
Georgiev denied the first 20 shots from Detroit, which included several prime scoring opportunities. This was his first game action since being pulled in the first period on Tuesday in Buffalo after giving up four goals in under 11 minutes. Scott Wedgewood stepped in and stopped all 22 shots he faced as the Avs stormed back to win 5-4 against the Sabres.
Wedgewood performed decently in the 5-3 defeat to Carolina two nights earlier, especially in the early stages when Colorado was under pressure. The Avalanche’s newest goaltender is slated to make his second start on Sunday night against the New Jersey Devils, one of his former squads.
This was a markedly different opening period for Georgiev, and ultimately became one of his standout performances for the season.
“It’s definitely nice to establish a lead and work to maintain it,” Georgiev said. “In any case, I really felt that starting strong was significant.”
Colton returns: The initial recovery timeline for Colton after breaking his foot while blocking a shot on October 28 against Chicago was 6-8 weeks. He returned in 40 days, crediting the team’s training staff and noting that he had set Sunday’s game in New Jersey as a target for his comeback. The New Jersey native will have numerous friends and family in attendance at Prudential Center for the Avs’ match against the Devils.
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