The Rangers will start the season with Alex Georgiev as the backup to Henrik Lundqvist but Jeff Gorton noted that he needs to play.
Gorton said, “we will watch his ice time and make sure he is playing games but it was clear to us in camp that he is our number two guy.”
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He added that the Rangers do have the luxury of sending Georgiev down to Hartford without waivers so if he isn’t playing for a stretch in the NHL, he can start for Hartford.
Georgiev told Newsday that he wants to play a lot because “that’s the way to get better.” (Newsday)
Rangers coach David Quinn said of Georgiev, “I’d heard about him a lot and boy did he open my eyes in development camp. He is the real deal and I felt that way from the moment I watched him and how competitive and composed that he is. He’s built on that. He’s a competitor, has an incredible demeanor about him, mentally tough and very athletic. He has earned the spot.”
Quinn said that the Rangers need to practice in a “demanding” style to make Georgiev feel as if he in game situations. (NYR, 9/29)