The Red Wings’ week ended on a sour note as star netminder John Gibson was injured in their game against the New Jersey Devils after losing their captain, Dylan Larkin, on Friday night.
Gibson’s injury occurred late in the second period in New Jersey’s Prudential Center, after Timo Meier sent Lucas Raymond bowling into the goal. The netminder absorbed the impact with his leg pads and was slow to get up, though Gibson did finish out the final few seconds of the period. Cam Talbot finished the game.
Since being acquired in the offseason from the Anaheim Ducks, Gibson has taken over Detroit’s net from the incumbent Talbot. After a slow start to his season the 32 year old goalie has started in 40 games for the Red Wings, excluding tonight’s contest, with a 23-13-2 record. The Red Wings have relied heavily on Gibson’s strong play over the last few weeks, and his .906 sv % has been covering for a lot of Detroit defensive lapses.
Before exiting the game, Gibson had stopped 20 of 20 shots from the Devils, and has had four shutouts this season.
Gibson had to exit another game earlier this week against Nashville, with the Red Wings calling up goalie prospect Sebastian Cossa after.
Postgame Update:
“He got hit in a bad spot and didn’t feel good after that happened. He should be fine, I would think.” According to head coach Todd McLellan.
Based on recent history, that may mean Talbot gets the nod in the starter’s net hen the Red Wings face off against the Florida Panthers Tuesday night. Hopefully he will be back before the end of the Red Wings’ four game road trip.