5 reasons why Anaheim Ducks will win Stanley Cup
By Simon Vacca
4. Underrated Goaltending
To the dismay of many a Ducks fan, it’s unfortunate that John Gibson does not occupy much of the talk circuit surrounding goaltending in the NHL.
On the one hand, this is to be expected. As netminders like Pekka Rinne, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Sergei Bobrovsky, Connor Hellebuyck and Frederik Andersen conclude seasons in which they have accumulated outstanding totals, little room is left for those that strain the edges of greatness.
On the other, this is beyond disappointing. One need look no further than Gibson’s most basic statistics for proof of his remarkably consistent ability to play an elevated game. He’s enjoyed a 31-18-7 record, during which he’s recorded a 2.43 GAA, a .926 save percentage and four shutouts. Pretty solid for a goalie whose name is frequently excluded from Vezina conversations.
Although Gibson is currently suffering from an undisclosed upper-body injury, there’s no need to panic — Anaheim’s backup goaltender is among the best in the NHL. Ryan Miller’s 12-6-6 record — which entails a 2.35 GAA, a .928 save percentage and four shutouts — is a statement that ought to serve as a source of intimidation for any opponent .
There’s little doubt that both Gibson and Miller will continue to be overlooked in hockey circles. But make no mistake: underestimation is the kind of thing that fuels certain players. As such, expect the Ducks’ goaltending duo to head into the postseason with something to prove.