Opinion: The decision on Alexandar Georgiev failed

The Colorado Avalanche have an Alexandar Georgiev problem. And the 2024-25 NHL season is only three games old.

After being sidelined due to poor performances in his first two starts, Georgiev received support from Jared Bednar, who assured the media that Georgiev was “the guy.” The 28-year-old once again put in a consistent performance, conceding five goals, as Patrick Roy's New York Islanders edged Colorado in a 6-2 win.

Is Georgiev the guy? Probably not for long. Justus Annunen should have been the starter all along. Additionally, the Avs claimed netminder Kappo Kahkonen off waivers from the Jets on Friday. However, before he can join the club, he must obtain entry permission.

Colorado is understandably desperate, but this entire debacle could have been avoided if they hadn't cut their goalie budget after their 2022 Stanley Cup-winning season. By not re-signing Darcy Kuemper, the Avs targeted Georgiev, and it didn't pay off. Some fans like to point out that Georgiev won the most games of any NHL goaltender last season, but can anyone answer why he wasn't in the running for the Vezina Trophy or the William M. Jennings Trophy? Could it be that Colorado's incredible offensive arsenal masked its poor play? With Colorado now without four of its top-six forwards, Georgiev's weaknesses have become all too apparent.

In the first two games of the season, Georgiev allowed eight goals on 25 shots. And while he was “better” against the Islanders, he still wasn’t good enough to give his club a chance to win. The game in front of Georgiev was a major topic on Monday night, but the excuses are wearing thin.

People might say, “Calm down, it's preseason,” or “It's the first game of the season.” Take it easy.” The Avalanche entered the season as serious Stanley Cup contenders. Colorado is winless after three games this season .And although they are dealing with multiple injuries, there is no excuse for the poor play we saw.

Cale Makar, a former Norris Trophy winner, also had an uncharacteristically poor performance on Monday night. He committed a bad turnover that led to a shorthanded goal and a 4-1 Islanders lead. However, Makar has been a solid backbone of the club throughout his career. The same cannot be said for Georgiev, who has always been a thorn in our side. Enough with the excuses. It's time to unplug.

Signing Kahkonen is also risky as the Finnish goalkeeper has one win in his last five starts. His 2023-24 stats were also less than impressive. In 37 starts with the San Jose Sharks and New Jersey Devils, Kahkonen won just seven of those games.

Colorado may have no choice but to make Annunen the starter for now until Kahkonen gets the green light from immigration authorities. How much longer will the Avalanche organization and its fans be willing to put up with a goaltender with a 6.58 GAA?