After another strong performance against the Buffalo Sabres, Alexandar Georgiev will start Sunday afternoon against the Pittsburgh Penguins (12:30 P.M. ET, NBC).
“You have to bring your best every game, no matter what happened last game,” said Georgiev.
Friday night, the Blueshirts took the lead early and they wouldn’t look back. They led the game from start to finish and won 6-2. But with the Rangers top line kept off the scoresheet, it was the depth that gave the Blueshirts the goal support. Goal scorers included Boo Nieves, Jesper Fast, Jimmy Vesey, Pavel Buchnevich and two from Vladislav Namestnikov. Buchnevich and Namestnikov’s first goal occurred in an eight second span. The only point registered by the first line came on a secondary assist by Mats Zuccarello on Namestnikov’s empty net goal.
Georgiev registered 31 saves for his third straight win. In his four starts since the all-star break, the 23-year-old has stopped 131 out of 138 shots (.949 save percentage). With another strong performance, Georgiev has earned his second straight start.
“He’s been rolling now after that last game we played and he’s come up with big saves,” said Mika Zibanejad. “It’s fun to watch.”
“He’s got an incredible mental makeup, he’s got great physical skills, and that’s why we feel about him the way we do,” said head coach David Quinn. “I’m not surprised at what he’s doing.”
Georgiev will have to bring his best in Sunday afternoon’s game as he will face off against Sidney Crosby and the Penguins. The Penguins find themselves sitting one point out of the final wildcard spot, despite recently adding Nick Bjugstad.
Brady Skjei left Friday’s game due to injury and is a game-time decision. If Skjei isn’t available, Filip Chytil, a healthy scratch in Buffalo, could draw back into the lineup.
“I don’t want him sitting (too long),” Quinn said. “I want him in the lineup.”
Freddy Claesson is also cleared to return and he is itching to get back in the lineup after suffering a shoulder injury in January.
“Freddy’s been cleared to go, so it all depends on who’s available, whether Brady’s available,” said Quinn.
Casey DeSmith will oppose Georgiev. DeSmith came in relief Satuday afternoon and stopped all seven shots he faced.
Phil Kessel registered his 800th career point Saturday afternoon and he became just the 17th U.S. – born player to reach the 800-point plateau.
Kessel will feature on the Penguins top powerplay unit which ranks 5th in the NHL, including 3 powerplay goals on Saturday.
Namestnikov has averaged a point-per-game against the Penguins in his career. The Rangers third line, which scored three goals in Buffalo, will likely stay together and play important minutes as the Rangers look to slow down Sidney Crosby. Namestnikov, Strome and Fast were matched up against Jack Eichel in the third period and helped limit Buffalo’s top line.
“When they switched the matchups in the third and they had Eichel against us, I think (Quinn) felt comfortable with that, and I think as a line you kind of get confidence from that when you feel the trust from your coach and play against those players,” said Strome.
Projected Lineup:
Kreider-Zibanejad-Zuccarello
Vesey-Hayes-Buchnevich
Namestnikov-Strome-Fast
Chytil-Nieves-Brickley
Staal-Pionk
DeAngelo-McQuaid
Smith-Shattenkirk
Georgiev
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