Alexandar Georgiev’s big night is important for him, Avalanche teammates

From the coach to his teammates, the Avalanche have publicly remained steadfast in their support of struggling goaltender Alexandar Georgiev.

He delivered on Thursday night, posting the best performance by an Avs goaltender this season against the No. 1 team in the NHL standings. Georgiev stopped the last 27 shots he faced in the 1-0 loss to the Winnipeg Jets.

“It is important. He played well, good enough for us to win the game,” Avs defenseman Josh Manson said. “Made some big saves. We just couldn’t get one from the other one.

“I think we just expect these guys to play like we know they can. I think Thursday night (Georgiev) was really outstanding. That was like elite goaltending. If we can get close to that goal on a near-constant basis, we’ll be in a great position.”

The game should significantly boost Georgiev’s confidence, but its impact on those around him should not be underestimated either. Colorado has played well as a team in some of Georgiev’s starts, but both he and Justus Annunen struggled early this season.

Annunen was the first to find his game and has made a number of solid or better starts. He started six of the eight games prior to Thursday night, with Kaapo Kahkonen also ending up in net one night.

Georgiev’s night, like the rest of the team, didn’t start well as the Jets scored 66 seconds into the game. But after that, he shut out the NHL’s top-scoring team, including a crucial power-play save late in the first period and a highlight-reel stop in the third period to keep the Avs in the game.

The competition isn’t getting any easier. Colorado will face the second-best team in points and the third-best offense in the league on Saturday night when Carolina comes to Ball Arena. Another top-five offense is coming next Friday when Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals visit.

But Georgiev will get his chance to get back in net when he starts against the Hurricanes.

“He was great in the last game and gave us a great chance to win,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said. “That’s what we said – we’re going to play a well-rested goalkeeper. We will play the goalkeeper who we believe gives us the best chance of winning. Justus has had some great starts and some games strung together, and (Georgiev) deserves the same respect.

“We have to get the best out of every man we have. Especially now – it’s more important now. When you’re missing someone in your lineup, it becomes more important that everyone else plays well, and the reality is probably always at the goalkeeper position.”