The Ducks’ Goaltending Duo: A-pillars of Consistency
The Anaheim Ducks entered the 4 Nations break with a .500 record (24-24-6), a testament to the remarkable performance of their goaltenders, John Gibson and Lukas Dostal. Despite the team’s struggles in various facets of the game, the netminders have been the linchpin that has kept their season and slim playoff hopes alive. Gibson, a seasoned veteran with over 500 NHL games under his belt, and Dostal, a promising sophomore, have formed a dynamic duo that has consistently given the Ducks a fighting chance in every game they play.
Defensive Struggles and the Goalies’ Impact
Despite their resilience, the Ducks are facing significant challenges on the defensive end. They lead the league in shots allowed per game (32.2), shot attempts per 60 minutes at 5v5 (66.94), and expected goals against per 60 minutes at 5v5 (3.01). Their penalty kill is equally troubling, allowing a league-worst 10.06 expected goals per 60 minutes. Offensively, the Ducks are struggling as well, scoring a league-worst 2.48 goals per game, and their power play has only converted 12.1% of its chances, placing them 31st in the NHL. Despite these defensive and offensive woes, the goaltenders have been the shining light, consistently making the necessary saves to keep the Ducks competitive.
John Gibson: A Veteran’s Impact
John Gibson’s journey to the 2023-2024 season was marked by a significant personal challenge. He underwent an emergency appendectomy during the Ducks’ 2024 training camp, which forced him to miss the first four weeks of the season. His return on November 10 was a welcome sight for the Ducks, who had been relying heavily on Dostal in his absence. Since then, Gibson has played 22 of the Ducks’ 54 games, compiling a 9-9-2 record, a .915 save percentage (SV%), which ranks eighth among goalies with at least 20 starts. He has also saved 14.6 goals above expected, placing him seventh in the NHL, and has saved .69 goals above expected per 60 minutes, ranking third. Gibson’s calm demeanor and consistent play have had a positive ripple effect on the team, as noted by head coach Greg Cronin, who praised Gibson’s leadership and composure.
Lukas Dostal: A Promising Future
Lukas Dostal, at 24, has quickly become a vital part of the Ducks’ roster. In the early part of the season, Dostal started 11 of the Ducks’ 13 games while Gibson was recovering. Since then, he has played in 30 games, starting 30 and posting a 15-13-4 record. Dostal’s .911 SV% ranks 13th among goalies with at least 20 starts, and he has saved 20.2 goals above expected, placing him fourth in the NHL. His .65 goals above expected per 60 minutes also rank fourth. Cronin has emphasized the importance of repetition for young goalies like Dostal, noting that he sees Dostal on the ice frequently during pregame skates and on days off, indicating his dedication to improvement. Dostal’s steady performance has been crucial in keeping the Ducks in contention.
The Vezina Conundrum
Despite their impressive individual statistics, both Gibson and Dostal face an uphill battle to secure a Vezina nomination. The main obstacle is Connor Hellebuyck, the Winnipeg Jets’ star goalie, who has an outstanding 34-7-2 record, a .925 SV% (first in the NHL), and has saved 27.8 goals above expected (first in the NHL). Hellebuyck starts over 75% of the Jets’ games, and the Jets sit atop the NHL standings, making him the frontrunner for the award. The shared workload between Gibson and Dostal also works against them, as traditionally, the Vezina is awarded to a team’s primary starter. Other goalies like Joey Daccord, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Mackenzie Blackwood, who are their respective teams’ clear-cut number one starters, are also in contention due to their consistent performance. However, the Ducks’ goaltending tandem is among the best in the league, and their continued high level of play is a testament to their skill and resilience.
Hope for the Future
The Ducks have a unique situation with their goaltending, boasting one of the best tandems in the NHL. If the defense can improve and limit the number of dangerous shots, and if the offense can produce at a closer-to-league-average rate, the Ducks could find themselves climbing the standings. The team’s current fifth place in the Pacific Division, nine points out of the second wild card spot, is a testament to the goalies’ efforts. Several cup-contending teams would envy the goaltending depth the Ducks have, and it would be a shame to see the exceptional play of Gibson and Dostal go to waste due to the team’s overall underperformance. The upcoming 4 Nations break, which will include forward Leo Carlsson, provides an opportunity for the Ducks to regroup and refocus, setting the stage for a potential second-half surge.
