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Alexander Georgiev makes return to MSG for anticipated clash with Rangers.

By Marvin Azrak

CALGARY, CANADA - OCTOBER 13: Alexandar Georgiev #40 of the Colorado Avalanche in action against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on October 13, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
CALGARY, CANADA - OCTOBER 13: Alexandar Georgiev #40 of the Colorado Avalanche in action against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on October 13, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) /
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After going undrafted, Alexander Georgiev got his shot and took full advantage of it.
After going undrafted, Alexander Georgiev got his shot and took full advantage of it. /

The unique road to broadway:

Despite two standout seasons with the TPS (Turun Palloseura) Turku overseas, where he showed developmental promise, Georgiev went undrafted in the 2017 NHL draft.

Looking to renounce himself in North America, Georgiev was invited to the Rangers’ developmental camp that summer, where he signed a three-year entry-level deal with the club and was ticketed for the AHL with the Hartford Wolfpack, beginning the 2017-18 season as their starting goaltender. The then 22-year-old was 12-11-2 with a 2.97 goals-against average and .908 save percentage in 31 games with Hartford of the AHL before the dream call to the parent club on February 10 to replace the injured Ondrej Pavelec, who was backup to Henrik Lundqvist on the roster.

On February 22, 2018, Georgiev made his NHL debut in Montreal, where he made 38 saves in a 3-1 loss against the Canadians, but on March 3, the youngster stopped 35 shots and earned his first NHL win in front of the gratifying MSG crowd 3-2 over the Edmonton Oilers. The Russian finished the season 4-4-1 with a 3.15 GAA, and a .918 save percentage. A small sample size, but the Rangers liked what they were seeing. However, in year two, the netminder began to make headlines, particularly against the franchise’s biggest rival.

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