Alexandar Georgiev, Avalanche snowed under by Jets' flurry of goals in Game 1 loss

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — The Colorado Avalanche did not make it to Game 2 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs before goaltending became the dominant storyline.

Alexandar Georgiev allowed seven goals on 23 shots, and a fast start by Colorado quickly faded under the weight of an avalanche of goals against in a 7-6 defeat Sunday night at Canada Life Centre.

Adam Lowry and Kyle Connor both scored twice, with all four goals coming after a wild first period, to help the Winnipeg Jets secure Game 1 of this best-of-seven Western Conference opening-round series. Game 2 is here Tuesday night.

The Jets scored on their third shot on goal in the first period, second shot on goal in the second and first time getting one on net in the third. Colorado’s Artturi Lehkonen cut Winnipeg’s lead to 6-4 early in the third period, and the Avalanche had the most comeback wins in the NHL during the regular season. The Jets answered on their second shot after Lehkonen’s tally.

Georgiev had allowed four or more goals six times in his final eight appearances in the regular season, but Avs coach Jared Bednar never wavered on who his starter for Game 1 would be.

The other option, backup Justus Annunen, did not dress for Game 1 because of an illness, according to a team official. Arvid Holm, who has zero games of NHL experience, dressed as the backup.

Colorado scored six times on the presumptive Vezina Trophy winner as the NHL’s best goaltender this season, and it didn’t matter. Cale Makar had a goal and two assists for the Avalanche.

Lowry put the Jets in front with the lone goal of the second period. Brendan Dillon intercepted a pass in the Winnipeg zone and sent it towards the right point. Nino Niederreiter, despite not having a stick, was able to get in Cale Makar’s way enough for the puck to get out.

Lowry picked it up in the neutral zone and had a 2-on-1 develop. Colorado’s Devon Toews took away his passing option, but Lowry slide the puck through Georgiev’s legs along the ice for Winnipeg’s fourth goal in just 10 shots to that point, 8:57 into the middle period.

The second period had plenty of physical play, but looked a little more like what everyone might have expected. It came after a wild, chaotic opening period that featured six goals, including three in 66 seconds.

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