Georgiev Returns to Denver as Sharks Face Avalanche in Pivotal Matchup

A Goalie’s Homecoming: Georgiev Faces Former Team in Denver

When the Colorado Avalanche entered the 2023-24 NHL season, expectations were sky-high. Fresh off multiple playoff runs, Colorado was seen as one of the favorites in the Western Conference, with Alexandar Georgiev as their undisputed No. 1 goaltender.

Fast forward to March, and the script has drastically changed. After a rocky start to the season, Colorado revamped its goaltending and sent Georgiev to the rebuilding San Jose Sharks in a bold midseason move.

Now, Georgiev returns to Denver for the first time since the trade, looking to make a statement against his former team when the Sharks and Avalanche clash Thursday night in the final game of San Jose’s seven-game road trip.

Avalanche’s Goaltending Overhaul: A Bold Midseason Gamble

The Avalanche were hoping for another deep playoff run, but an inconsistent start to the season forced them to shake things up—especially in net.

Colorado had hoped Georgiev would be the long-term answer in goal, but a rough start—23 goals allowed in his first six games—led to a loss of confidence in him and a desperate need for change.

To reshape their goaltending tandem, the Avalanche made two major moves:

Traded backup Justus Annunen and a 2025 sixth-round pick to Nashville for Scott Wedgewood
Dealt Alexandar Georgiev to San Jose in exchange for Mackenzie Blackwood

While Wedgewood has found success in Colorado, Georgiev’s journey in San Jose has been a struggle.

Georgiev’s Roller-Coaster Start in San Jose

Going from a Stanley Cup contender to a rebuilding team is never easy, and Georgiev’s transition to the Sharks has been anything but smooth.

In his first 15 decisions (2-12-1), he struggled mightily, often facing a high volume of shots behind an inexperienced defensive unit.

Georgiev admitted his confidence took a hit early on:

“The first two games, I was really bad, and all of a sudden, I felt the trust in goaltending kind of evaporated there.”

However, things have taken a positive turn in recent games, as Georgiev has won his last two starts, including a solid performance against the Maple Leafs.

With the Sharks recently trading fellow goalie Vitek Vanecek to Florida, Georgiev is now San Jose’s clear No. 1 option in net.

Sharks’ Roster Moves: A Youth Movement in San Jose

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San Jose continues to rebuild and develop young talent, with rookies playing a major role.

Top Performers:

William Eklund (46 points, 13 goals, 33 assists) – San Jose’s leading scorer
Macklin Celebrini (45 points, 18 goals, 27 assists) – A rising rookie star
Tyler Toffoli (24 goals) – Sharks’ leading goal-scorer

The team also added Patrick Giles in a trade with the Panthers, reinforcing their commitment to a youth-focused rebuild.

Despite a rough road trip (3-2-2 so far), a win against Colorado would mark a strong finish before heading home.

Avalanche’s Playoff Push: A Crucial Stretch Ahead

While San Jose is focused on development, the Avalanche are in win-now mode and eyeing a deep playoff run.

Colorado sits fourth in the Central Division, trailing Minnesota by just two points. With home-ice advantage still in play, every game counts.

Key Avalanche Players Leading the Charge:

Nathan MacKinnon (93 points, 70 assists) – NHL’s leading scorer
Cale Makar (68 points, 22 goals) – Top-scoring NHL defenseman
Artturi Lehkonen (26 goals) – Colorado’s leading goal scorer

The Avalanche have also improved their defense, acquiring Ryan Lindgren from the Rangers. He made an immediate impact in his debut on Tuesday, playing 20:33 in a 4-1 win over Pittsburgh.

Head coach Jared Bednar praised Lindgren’s debut performance:

“As far as puck play and defending in the zone, I thought he was our best (defenseman) tonight.”

With defenseman Josh Manson nearing a return from injury, the Avalanche are looking stronger heading into the playoffs.

Sharks vs. Avalanche: Can San Jose Spoil Colorado’s Winning Streak?

The Avalanche have won three straight games, including dominant wins against the Penguins and Predators. A victory on Thursday would complete a three-game season sweep over the Sharks and further cement Colorado’s playoff positioning.

For Alexandar Georgiev, this game means more than just another start. It’s a chance to prove his worth after being dealt away from a team with Stanley Cup aspirations.

Can the Sharks pull off an upset and close their road trip with a statement win? Or will the Avalanche keep rolling in their playoff push?

All eyes will be on Ball Arena when the puck drops Thursday night.

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