Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar wasn't impressed with his club's defensive effort in Sunday's 7-4 loss to the division-rival Dallas Stars.
"The defending breakdowns we had, we did some dumb stuff today," Bednar said postgame, according to DNVR. "They all led to really good scoring chances against."
Bednar was quick to defend goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, who allowed six goals on 36 shots.
"I thought he was great tonight, I did," Bednar said. "You can't fault him on any of the goals. I think there's probably one he would like back."
Dallas generated 6.68 expected goals in the contest, compared to Colorado's 3.86, per Natural Stat Trick.
Georgiev has been a workhorse this season, ranking second in the NHL with 60 appearances. But his .898 save percentage on the campaign pales in comparison to the .918 mark he posted a year ago. His save percentage over his last three games is just .833.
Rookie Justus Annunen has been Colorado's best goalie of late, sporting a .931 save percentage since his recall in January. The 24-year-old has only faced three playoff teams in his 12 appearances, though.
The Stars now hold a five-point edge over the Avalanche for the Central Division title.
