Avalanche GM shares ‘careful’ take on managing Alexandar Georgiev’s workload

Colorado Avalanche goalie Alexandar Georgiev has had a heavy work load this season, making 37 starts, more than any other goalie in the NHL and on track for 66 starts, more than Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland’s ideal number of 50-to-55 starts, and he opened up on Georgiev’s heavy work load.

“I’ll be honest, I do think we got to be careful with (Georgiev’s) games played here, and it’s something that we talk about daily,” Chris MacFarland said, according to Kayla Douglas of theScore. “You want your guy fresh for April if you’re able to grab one of those eight tickets (to the playoffs). I know every team is kind of different and maybe there’s some guys that can go 60 or 62. For me, my comfort level would be certainly less pace than what he’s on target for right now.”

Alexandar Georgiev has played in 37 games for the Avalanche, and has recorded 24 wins, according to NHL.com. However, he has a .897 save percentage and a 2.92 goals against average this season. Goaltending has been a bit of an issue for the Avalanche this season, along with the depth of the starting lineup.

It will be interesting to see if MacFarland adds some insurance behind Georgiev to help lighten his load down the stretch. There are other needs as well in the lineup. With the deadline coming up in early March, the Avalanche will have to identify the top needs to fill in the next month or so, and see if they can acquire them in trades by then.