alex georgiev trade

Ryan Strome scored the overtime winner, as the Rangers bested the Toronto Maple Leafs for the second straight time, and their first win in March. The Blueshirts were once again dominated by the Leafs, surrendering a 65% shot advantage. However Alex Georgiev, the Bulgarian Brute, stood tall again. For whatever reason, he has the Leafs’ number. He made 44 saves in this one, which was less than he had to make in the prior win (54).

Pavel Buchnevich scored in the first minute of the third to break the scoreless tie. Zach Hyman answered eight minutes later. But it was Georgiev, especially in the third, who was the difference maker. He made 19 of his 44 saves in the third, with the leaves getting a whopping 78% of the shots in the third period.

This was not a close game at all, but sometimes goalies steal one. Or in Georgiev’s case, he always steals one against the Leafs.

Rangers 1, Leafs 0

Brady Skjei took a sharp angle shot that Freddy Andersen left in front for rebound chances. Chaos ensued, and Buchnevich found a seam to the loose puck after both Mitch Marner and Zach Hyman missed him on the coverage. Buch also clipped Marner on the way in, sending him to the ice. Incidental contact.

Rangers 1, Leafs 1

Mike Reilly’s shot took an awkward bounce off Georgiev, and the Rangers couldn’t clear the elevated puck. John Tavares got there in the confusion as Hyman cut to the slot. No one picked up Hyman and the passing lane was open for the easy goal.

Rangers 2, Leafs 1

Strome and Boo Nieves had a great 2-on-1 that Andersen made a terrific save on. But with so few bodies on the ice, Nieves was able to get the rebound to Strome behind the net, who tucked it into the empty net.

Shot Heatmap

If I told you nothing about the game other than the shot differential, this is probably the heatmap you would have drawn. Toronto has a scary offense. The Rangers do not defend well. Nothing new to see here.

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