John Gibson to Miss 3-6 Weeks After Appendectomy
Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson will be out of action for the next three to six weeks after undergoing an emergency appendectomy. The 31-year-old goalie, who has been with the Ducks since the 2013-14 season, was forced to undergo the surgery on Wednesday night, sidelining him for an extended period.
Gibson, a three-time All-Star, holds several records for the Ducks, including most games played by a goalie (477) and most saves (13,294). He also ranks second in wins (193) and third in shutouts (24) in franchise history. Last season, Gibson struggled with a 13-27-2 record, an .888 save percentage, and a 3.54 goals-against average. However, over his career, he boasts a record of 193-206-61, with a .910 save percentage and a 2.90 GAA.
According to the Ducks, Gibson has been one of only four goalies in the league over the past four seasons to have made 5,000-plus saves. His company in this elite group includes Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets, Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators, and Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Gibson also ranks among the top in starts and appearances during this period, showcasing his durability and consistency in the crease.
Accolades and Achievements
Gibson’s career highlights include being selected to the NHL All-Rookie first team in 2015-16 and winning the William M. Jennings Trophy with Frederik Andersen for allowing the fewest goals in a season. During that award-winning season, Gibson posted a 21-13-4 record with a .920 save percentage and a 2.07 GAA. He has also led the league in various categories, such as losses and goals allowed, showcasing his resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity.
Despite his recent surgery, Gibson’s impact on the Ducks and the league at large cannot be understated. His leadership in the crease and ability to make crucial saves in high-pressure situations have been instrumental in the team’s success over the years. As the Ducks look to navigate through his absence, they will rely on their backup goaltenders to step up and fill the void left by Gibson’s absence.
Looking Ahead
With the regular season fast approaching, the Ducks will need to adjust their game plan and defensive strategies to compensate for Gibson’s absence. His presence in the net has been a cornerstone of the team’s success, and his leadership on and off the ice will be sorely missed during his recovery period. However, this setback presents an opportunity for other players to showcase their skills and contribute to the team’s overall success in Gibson’s absence.
As Gibson focuses on his recovery and rehabilitation, the Ducks will be monitoring his progress closely to ensure that he returns to the ice at full strength. In the meantime, the team will look to rally around each other and continue to compete at a high level as they navigate through this challenging period without their star goaltender.
In conclusion, John Gibson’s unexpected appendectomy surgery has sidelined him for the next three to six weeks, leaving a significant void in the Anaheim Ducks’ lineup. However, his resilience, leadership, and talent will undoubtedly shine through as he works towards a full recovery and a return to the ice. The Ducks and their fans eagerly await his comeback and look forward to seeing him back between the pipes where he belongs.
