Alexandar Georgiev gets his chance; Rangers call up Adam Huska
Alexandar Georgiev has struggled this season for the New York Rangers. The 25 year-old backstop has cited the lack of playing time as a challenge for getting in a groove but was quick to not call it an excuse.
Last night, with the Rangers nursing a one goal lead in the third period, he was thrusted into action. Igor Shesterkin came up limp with 15 minutes left to play and was unable to put weight on his right leg heading to the locker room.
Ice cold and in a big spot, Georgiev was challenged early. He came though with flying colors.
Alexandar Georgiev gets praise
Georgiev made at least three great saves on the eight shots he faced to combine with Shesterkin for the shutout.
“He made three great saves, especially coming in on that power play,” an enthusiastic Gerard Gallant said of his backup. “He looked solid, I was really happy. It was a good opportunity for him to step up.”
With Shesterkin and Georgiev teaming up for the shutout, it became just the second time in franchise history the Rangers have had a combined shutout. Henrik Lundqvist and Antti Raanta worked the feat against the Dallas Stars on December 15, 2016.
“He’s a good goaltender and he’s been waiting for an opportunity,” Ryan Strome said after the Rangers blanked the Sharks. “He went in there and finished her off and he’ll probably get in there tomorrow. That’s what good teams do, next man up. It was a good example of that tonight.”
This season, Georgiev is 2-1-1 with a GAA of 3.89 and a SV% of .867.
Rangers call up Adam Huska
As expected, the Rangers have called up Adam Huska to back up Georgiev as we await word on Shesterkin’s injury.
“They’re telling me it’s not as bad as it looked,” Gerard Gallant said after the game. “They told me not to worry.” Shesterkin will likely have an MRI with an update to follow this weekend.
Huska, 24, is 2-3-1 in six games with the Wolf Pack but has a stellar GAA of 2.20 and a .924 SV% to boot. He is also waivers exempt.
Georgiev is expected to get all games while Shesterkin is out, if the injury is indeed short term. It is also been brought to my attention that the Rangers could also be looking at what goalies become available at the trade deadline.
On another note, the Rangers have sent Morgan Barron back down.*
*The AHL transaction sheet actually shows Barron sent down on 12/3 and recalled again on 12/4.
NHL Rumors
Braden Holtby and Marc-Andre Fleury expected to lead a hot goalie trade market, and more rumors here.
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