Red Wings announce interesting starting goaltender ahead of facing Lightning: It may bite them in the back
Photo credit: Gerry Angus-Imagn Images
The Detroit Red Wings organization confirmed an interesting choice for their starting goaltender ahead of tonight's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Red Wings are back in action tonight as they're set to face the Tampa Bay Lightning in Detroit for their final of five straight games against division rivals.
During the offseason, Steve Yzerman made a big move by acquiring John Gibson in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks.
Unfortunately, the goalie didn't have a great outing for his first game with the Red Wings, getting pulled in the home opener after allowing 5 goals on 13 shots to the Montreal Canadiens.
After his tough performance, Gibson owned everything:
"It's not the first time it's happened. It's not the last time it's going to happen. It happens to everybody."
Since that game, Gibson hasn't returned to the lineup, with Cam Talbot playing and winning all games.
Despite Talbot's winning streak, Todd McLellan announced that Gibson will get his second start of the season tonight against the Lightning.
John Gibson To Play Tonight For The First Time Since Home Opener Blowout Loss
McLellan is behind Gibson. When he struggled in the first game, the coach was quick to dismiss the critics: it wasn't the goalie's fault as much as the whole team's, and he confirmed the goalie will play many more games this season.
"He didn't have a bad outing, we had a bad outing. He just happens to wear different equipment than everybody else. We were all part of it. The coaching staff was part of it. And he has a really good track record. We're confident in him. We expect him to play a lot for us."
McLellan also discussed his time behind the Edmonton Oilers bench, when Talbot was also with the Oilers. He played over 70 games and recalled what lesson he learned from overusing a goalie:
"Back in the day, Talbs in Edmonton played 72 games, I think," McLellan said. (It was 73, in 2016-17, under McLellan himself.) "The crazy coach thought they could just play him every night. I think, well, eventually, you know, they break down. It doesn't matter how old you are.
And everybody has to be important on the team. Talbs, in my opinion, deserved that opportunity to play the other night against Florida after his performance in Toronto. And now Gibby hasn't given the net up. He hasn't relinquished anything he has earned and deserves the opportunity to play."
And everybody has to be important on the team. Talbs, in my opinion, deserved that opportunity to play the other night against Florida after his performance in Toronto. And now Gibby hasn't given the net up. He hasn't relinquished anything he has earned and deserves the opportunity to play."
Gibson has his fate in his hands and will surely look to have a bounce-back performance to get on the good side of his new fanbase.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
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