Though Henrik Lundqvist was the backbone of MSG in 2019, signs of decline began to show. His hefty salary and the Rangers’ shift into a transitional phase placed the team in a challenging position at goaltending. Alongside Lundqvist in the NHL was Alex Georgiev with Igor Shesterkin waiting in the wings. Two had to go. Lundqvist was bought out, and one year later Georgiev was traded. Fast forward to today, and it’s clear the Rangers parting with Alex Georgiev was the right call.
After buying out Lundqvist, leaving Shesterkin and Georgiev to compete for the starting role, Shesterkin quickly emerged as the clear No. 1, pushing Georgiev into a backup role—a situation that did not suit the Bulgarian goalie, who thrived with consistent playing time. The Rangers ultimately traded Georgiev to the Colorado Avalanche after the 2021-22 season.
Since joining Colorado, Georgiev has experienced highs and lows. He tied Boston’s Linus Ullmark for the NHL lead with 40 wins in 2022-23 and led the league with 38 victories last season, surpassing Shesterkin’s total by two. However, these wins came in part due to Colorado’s potent offense. Georgiev’s save percentage of .897 ranked 41st among goalies with at least 25 games played, and his playoff performance, while decent, didn’t propel the Avalanche past the second round.
Shesterkin, meanwhile, posted fewer wins (73 to Georgiev’s 78 over the past two seasons) but maintained superior stats in goals-against average (2.53 vs. 2.77) and save percentage (.915 vs. .908). While the numbers may invite debate about their relative impact, the Rangers’ choice of Shesterkin as their cornerstone seems validated.
This season, however, Georgiev has struggled mightily. Colorado’s 0-4-0 start, its worst since 1998-99, included multiple rough outings for the netminder. His GAA ballooned to 5.79, and his save percentage dipped to .802 after allowing 17 goals on 86 shots across four games.
A pair of disastrous starts saw him pulled twice, and even in slightly improved performances, he remained unable to prevent critical goals. Now 28 and entering free agency, Georgiev faces mounting pressure to recapture his form.
Meanwhile, Shesterkin continues to shine in New York. Despite a minor slump and upcoming contract negotiations, he remains the Rangers’ dependable option. The Rangers parting with Alex Georgiev appears increasingly justified as their paths diverge.
