Pucks of a Feather
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Anaheim Ducks: Rise of the New Guard In 2019-2020

By Jonathan Watson

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 05: Anaheim Ducks players react after center Carter Rowney (24) scored a gaol in the first period of a game against the Los Angeles Kings played on April 5, 2019 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 05: Anaheim Ducks players react after center Carter Rowney (24) scored a gaol in the first period of a game against the Los Angeles Kings played on April 5, 2019 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Anaheim Ducks
TORONTO, ON – February 4 In first period action, Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (36) keeps his eyes on a shot.The Toronto Maple Leafs played the Anaheim Ducks at the Scotiabank Arena in NHL action.February 4, 2019 (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

The Wall of Gibby

Anaheim’s starting goalie in John Gibson is without a doubt a top-five goalie in the NHL. However, whether it’s injuries, a down year like last year, or other goalies playing in bigger markets stealing the spotlight, Gibson hasn’t gotten all the credit that he has deserved due to many unfortunate circumstances. As bad as last season was, it could have been much worse considering the number of goals he prevented.

John Gibson was one of the most consistent goalies in the NHL last season as far as effort goes, but this year, I believe he’ll improve his efforts even more. With the combination of a healthy defense and an injury-free year, I believe Gibson won’t have to shoulder the weight he has had in past seasons. Yes, there will be bumps in the road, but that can be expected with a younger defense core learning how to play in the NHL. However, Gibson having to be the hero every night will be a thing of the past.

If I could give Gibson some advice heading into this season, it would be on two things. First, have patience with the younger guys, there will be mistakes, but as the season goes on, they will get better. As they get better, they will produce much better results and you won’t have to remind them of certain things as much as you used to. Second, go back to your roots and remember how you became the top five goalies that us Ducks fans know you are. If he brings that kind of confidence that Ducks fans bring him, the team can find ways to feed off that and play to a better capacity.

Do I expect him to win almost every single game he plays in? Not at all, but with a new coach and the defense meshing together as the season goes on, I think Gibson can return to his all-star form that helped the team fly to the Conference Finals two years ago.

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