The Colorado Avalanche are 0-2 to start the 2024-25 NHL season. Despite outshooting both the Vegas Golden Knights and Columbus Blue Jackets, they’ve been outscored 14-8. There are several issues the Avalanche need to address, but perhaps the most pressing is goaltending.
Alexandar Georgiev, the team’s expected starting goaltender, has struggled mightily. He was pulled in both games after allowing a combined 8 goals on 25 shots for a .680 save percentage. In the game against Columbus, he allowed 3 goals on 9 shots in just over 21 minutes of play. One goal in particular, by Adam Fantilli, was particularly weak and led to Georgiev being pulled.
Justus Annunen, who replaced Georgiev in both games, hasn’t fared much better. He gave up 2 goals on 13 shots against Columbus, including a goal on the first shot he faced after coming into the game with the score tied at 3-3.
The Avalanche claimed Kaapo Kahkonen off waivers after the loss to Vegas, but he is still awaiting immigration clearance.
Analysts observing the Avalanche’s performance believe that the team’s defense has played well and isn’t to blame for the high number of goals against. They point to the fact that the Avalanche outshot both opponents as evidence that the offense is generating chances. One analyst speculates that this could be a high-scoring season for the Avalanche due to their strong offense and porous goaltending.
There are some bright spots for the Avalanche despite the 0-2 start. The team has shown fight and resilience. Casey Mittelstadt has continued to produce offensively, scoring goals in both games. The power play has also been effective, going 2-for-4 against Columbus.
The Avalanche will need to improve their goaltending if they hope to turn things around. Their next game is against the New York Islanders, coached by former Avalanche goaltender Patrick Roy.