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NHL Starting Goalies: Crowded Creases

By Ryan Ritchie

Feb 18, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Boston Bruins goaltender Malcolm Subban (70) skates during warmup against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Boston Bruins goaltender Malcolm Subban (70) skates during warmup against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Anaheim Ducks (John Gibson/Frederik Andersen)

February 2, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen (31) defends the goal against San Jose Sharks during the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
February 2, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen (31) defends the goal against San Jose Sharks during the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Finally given a real opportunity to take hold of the starter’s position, John Gibson has no plans of relinquishing it. Gibson was always meant to be the future in goal for Anaheim.

Frederik Andersen, a surprise emergence (in the Jonas Hiller/Viktor Fasth era), got his NHL opportunity one year before John Gibson. This wasn’t a guy (Gibson) that needed much AHL development (if any). Andersen’s presence was the only thing preventing holding him back.  

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    • Andersen has played well in his short tenure with the Ducks. His dismal record in 2015-16 isn’t reflective of his play.  He’s got a 2.37GAA and .918 save percentage, giving Anaheim a chance to win every night.  Unfortunately, Frederik Andersen is receiving the least amount of goal support in 2015-16.

    John Gibson is a true number one starter, while Andersen is better classified as a 1A type goalie. Capable of being a starter, but not good enough in April. The Frederik Andersen/Ondrej Pavelec’s of the world are better suited in a Carolina Hurricanes type situation – a goalie tandem sharing the load.

    Andersen’s contract is set to expire at the end of this season, and he’ll likely be seeking a pay raise. Even if Anaheim is willing to pay him, there’s no guarantees the restricted free agent will be happy playing a potential 20 to 30 games in 2016-17.

    John Gibson has started 19 games since joining Anaheim in 2015-16, winning 11 of them.  He’s also got a 1.91GAA and .923 save percentage.  It was good enough to earn him a spot in the All-Star game in Nashville, where he made the save of the game.

    Anton Khudobin is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, and based on his 2015-16 numbers, is unlikely to be re-signed even if Andersen is traded.

    Solution: Trade Frederik Andersen

    It would be unfair to force John Gibson and Frederik Andersen to co-exist. Either one doesn’t get enough time in the crease, or both. Neither scenario works. Anaheim is best suited to find a trade partner, which shouldn’t be difficult given his age and NHL experience.

    Next: Boston Bruins

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