Are the Anaheim Ducks’ Goalies Ready for the NHL Playoffs?
Frederik Anderson or John Gibson? That is the Question for the Anaheim Ducks.
The Anaheim Ducks are coasting into the NHL playoffs and the goalie tandem of Frederik Andersen and John Gibson are coming alive at the right time. For most of the season, Andersen carried the workload and has been very successful as the Ducks’ number one goalie. However, judging by the last three games, Gibson has come alive and looks ready to take on a much larger role.
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With such a young defensive group, are Andersen and Gibson truly ready for the NHL playoffs? This team seems poised to go far in the postseason but it will all depend on this young and unproven goalie tandem, as they go for their second run at a Stanley Cup. Last season, Andersen played in seven playoff games and had a 3.10 goals against average and 0.899 save percentage. Gibson, on the other hand, preformed much better in both the NHL and AHL playoffs. In four NHL playoff games, Gibson had a 2.70 goals against average and 0.919 save percentage. Even more impressively, Gibson maintained a 1.45 goals against average and 0.955 save percentage through six AHL playoff games. Based on these numbers, it would seem Gibson is the better choice for the postseason, but Andersen’s production so far this season should not be ignored.
In 47 games played so far this season, Andersen has a record of 30-10-5 with a 2.37 goals against average and 0.915 save percentage. To understand his development and level of skill, this article on NHL.com explores the details of what makes Andersen so good. Due to his consistent play throughout the season, Andersen earned himself a full-time role in the NHL but will now need to battle Gibson for starts as the season concludes.
Gibson was dealing with an injury for most of the season but split time between the AHL and NHL till the start of February. Since his return to the NHL, Gibson has won 10 of his 14 starts and is currently riding a three-game win streak. Add to the fact that Andersen has not won a game since March 3rd and has not started since March 9th, it looks like Gibson has made a legitimate push to split time with the digressing Andersen. If Gibson continues his impressive play, Bruce Boudreau will be forced to ride the hot hand till he cools off.
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As to who gets the bulk of the starts down the stretch remains to be seen. While Andersen has been solid all season long, it seems Gibson is ready to play his part and has historically been good in important games. Based on his last few outings, Gibson will get most of the looks but will lose a step with even one shaky start. Andersen was incredible during December and January and could return to form very soon. With a little healthy competition and a necessity to perform, Andersen and Gibson are in a prime position to become the NHL’s best goaltending tandem as the playoffs roll around.