New York Rangers Stock Market: risers and fallers 2/18-2/24

Up: Alexandar Georgiev

Alexandar Georgiev has played well in spite of not yet getting his first NHL win.

The Rangers have a swarm of goalies in the minors. What once appeared to be a prospect pool of NHL ready goalies has now dwindled to a lot of “maybes.” Georgiev was the one who got the call-up when backup goalie Ondrej Pavelec became injured. He has played exceptionally well in his first two NHL games.

In his first game, Georgiev set a Rangers record for saves in a debut with 38. He allowed two goals (the other was an empty net goal) and looked steady in net. While he allowed four goals in his next game, I think that he should be given some slack. It was the second half of a back to back and only his second NHL game ever. Even with all these things against him, Georgiev still managed to make 33 saves.

I honestly believe the Rangers should make Georgiev the backup goalie for next season. It simply does not make any sense to keep Pavelec around next season. With both he and Lundqvist in their 30’s, it is time for the Rangers to start seriously screening their options for their next starter. Top prospect Igor Shestyorkin is still a full season away from coming over to North America so someone is needed for the time being. Georgiev makes the most sense and is probably the most capable of of all the goalie prospects.