“Everyone in the NHL knows Ovechkin will hit righthand. Everyone is waiting for him.” Georgiev made a “cracker” in Washington and gave an interview to “Match TV”

Michkov and Miroshnichenko in Washington, it’s a dream!

“Washington” is now playing in such a way that in the last 10 matches it has won only two wins. In the capital team, many players are “broken”. And so far, the Capitals are just 13th in the NHL Eastern Conference with 17 points. Of course, with some breakthrough, it’s realistic to get into the playoffs. But the trend so far is such that Washington may top the top eight for the first time since 2014.

On the other hand, there is a very cool plot here. After all, if the Capitals are weak, they have a chance in the lottery to take Canadian talent Connor Bedard. And what is more likely, you can choose Matvey Michkov, who is currently listed as the fourth number in the scout rankings.

But Washington already has forward Ivan Miroshnichenko, whom recently did an interview with. Can you imagine which two Russian tough guys could be signed with the Capitals? Even when Michkov and Miroshnichenko were 15 years old and together they won the Youth Olympics, they were called the new Ovechkin and Malkin of our hockey.

“Washington” just entered the draft in 2004 and chose Ovechkin under the first number, while Malkin went to Pittsburgh under the second. And then the Capitals have the chance to recruit two young Russians at once, around which they can build a team in the next 15 years. In addition, the guys can still catch up with the decline of Ovechkin’s NHL career, which will play there for at least another four seasons. Maybe Miroshnichenko and Michkov will personally help Ovi finish Wayne Gretzky’s record.

So there is no need to get upset now because of Washington’s defeats. The capital club still has good prospects.

Colorado coach: ‘We are blessed to have goalies like this’

The Stanley Cup-winning game against Colorado this summer is the perfect test to see where Washington stands right now.

The main hero of the game was Russian Avalanche goalie Alexander Georgiev, who saved 32 shots and scored the new team’s first cracker. At the beginning of July, the goalkeeper was bought from the New York Rangers, after which the Russian signed a three-year contract with Colorado.

Already in the first half, Georgiev made 14 saves and stopped attacking hosts Anthony Mantou in the third period, who was supposed to score the right goal.

— The guys did a good job weathering the storm in the first half. They scored important goals and played smart, which helped me a lot,” Georgiev said.

Nathan McKinnon and Artturi Lehkonen have each scored a puck, and Colorado has won six of its last seven games, including an overtime win over Carolina when former Traktor Czech goaltender Pavel Françouz made 46 saves . So Avalanche looks very cheerful these days.

“That evening, Françoise stole the game from us. Tonight the next guy comes on the court and plays a big game, making a “cracker,” Colorado coach Jared Bednar said. “I think we are spoiled in that regard now. Our two goalkeepers are playing very well.

If we talk about Ovechkin, then he made two shots on target, caught the “-1” for utility, held two power moves and made a block. After the game with Colorado, if anyone cares, Alexander the Great was again in last place in the league in terms of utility (-14). Now his closest competitor is Barret Hayton of Arizona (-13).

The plus-minus indicator reflects that the Washingtons aren’t in too good shape. And given the outlook outlined above, it’s actually not that bad.

Alexander Georgiev: Everyone knows where Ovechkin is

After the match, correspondent Ilya Sviridyuk interviewed Georgiev.

– You went from Rangers to Colorado, a champion club. How did you get used to the new team?

– As soon as I arrived at Avalanche, I immediately felt that the guys here intended to repeat the success of the championship. They are very experienced and love to work. And for me it’s a good atmosphere. Everyone is very supportive and it’s a wonderful feeling to have high expectations.

– It is curious that you are now playing against Darcy Kemper, who has just won the Stanley Cup with Colorado. Was there a particular nuance in the match related to this?

“I wouldn’t say there was any particular motivation. I was just preparing a match against a team that has very good players. I tried to get into my own channel, I wanted to do my job.

– “Washington” lost with a score of 0:4, but transferred you (32:29). Is it difficult when there is so much work?

– The match was equal. Sometimes it’s even a little easier when they throw more. You are always in action, you are not relaxing, you are not distracted by anything.

Ovechkin wants to be the all-time leading scorer in the NHL. How can a goaltender be prepared for his click from the left free pass circle?

– For many years now you can see how Ovechkin attacks on my right, how he takes a firm position. He’s on a one-timer, waiting for the right moment to fire with one touch.

You just know that Ovechkin is still there, that their defender John Carlson is also at the top. But in general, you prepare like against any team – you need to know where their dangerous players are.

– What are they doing in the Colorado locker room after the wins? How are the best players of the match rewarded?

— We collect the winning pucks from each game and give them to a hockey player. We have a small collection on the board. It looks cool.

Thanksgiving is early in the United States. How are you going to celebrate it?

– I looked that these days Colorado will be on the road. But it’s even good. Let’s get together as a team, eat a turkey. Probably, at home I would not set the table on purpose. But it’s always nice to celebrate a team party.

NHL. Regular season

Washington Capitals (Washington) – Colorado Avalanche (Denver) – 0:4 (0:1, 0:1, 0:2)

Goals: Makar, 19:39 (bol.). McKinnon, 33:14. Cogliano, 48:57. Lehkonen, 56:12.