The Colorado Avalanche have swapped third-string goaltenders, recalling Ivan Prosvetov and assigning Arvid Holm (Twitter link). These moves come after backup Justus Annunen sat out of the team’s Monday morning skate, with head coach Jared Bednar sharing that the goaltender is “still sick”, per DNVR’s Meghan Angley (Twitter link). Annunen wasn’t available for Game One against the Winnipeg Jets yesterday, with Holm stepping in as the backup. Starter Alexandar Georgiev would go on to allow seven goals on 23 shots in the eventual 7-6 loss. Prosvetov was playing in his own game while Holm filled in, saving 28 of 31 shots in a 6-3 AHL win.
Georgiev’s struggles in Game One seemed to set up a perfect chance for Annunen to challenge the starting role. He was able to wrestle it away from Georgiev at the end of the regular season, ultimately recording eight wins and a .928 save percentage in 14 games. But with Annunen still questionable for the lineup, the Avalanche are instead turning to Prosvetov to challenge Georgiev’s role.
Prosvetov has appeared in 11 NHL games this season, recording four wins and a .895 save percentage. He’s been much better in the AHL, where he’s managed 11 wins and a .921 in 21 appearances. Prosvetov has made spot NHL starts throughout each of the last four seasons but hasn’t yet found his way into a full-time role in the league. He’s also never played in a Stanley Cup Playoff game, likely decreasing his chances of making a surprise appearance. That is, if Georgiev can rebound from a disappointing Game One.
User 318310488
MacFarland had a chance to address the goaltending at the deadline and didn’t, It will cost Colorado dearly in the playoffs.
motor
Agreed 100%. Need to make an acquisition this offseason before the window does finally close on this group
MacJablonski--NotVegasLegend
Like other GMs, Chris MacFarland had very few choices at the deadline. Beggars can be choosers, if what is being offered is sub-standard in their minds. That, and trying to find players that actually want to go to their team. “He didn’t do anything” at the deadline is often times inaccurate. Most of these guys are trying to do something, but obstacles pop up, preventing deals from being made. Markstrom to NJD is an example.