After the Detroit Red Wings’ 4-3 shootout win over the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night, John Gibson had a lot of reasons to be relieved.
The veteran goaltender finally showed the Red Wings the sort of performance they had been expecting after a tough start to the season. Helping the Red Wings overcome a two-goal third-period deficit, Gibson denied all three San Jose attempts in the shootout and stopped 31 of 34 shots.
Although his performance brought to light a problem the Red Wings must solve, the 33-year-old had a positive evening.
Will Gibson be able to offer the Red Wings the regularity they need?
Gibson has a 2-3-1 record in six starts, with a 3.58 goals-against average and an.873 save percentage. Those figures are not what the Red Wings had in mind for a goalie who was supposed to solidify the position. He has been especially challenged in some games.
On October 9, Gibson gave up five goals on just 15 shots before being replaced against the Seattle Kraken. He gave up five goals four days later to the New Jersey Devils, but he also made 32 saves as the Red Wings fell in overtime 5-4.
