The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan posted a profile of 32-year-old goaltender John Gibson, who’s s motivated to prove his critics wrong after losing his job to Lukas Dostal last season:
“Maybe a little bit,” Gibson said. “But I’m just leaving that in the past and excited for a fresh start here, and hopefully get this team back to the playoffs. That’s my focus. What happened there (Anaheim) is in the past.”
Gibson, 32, saw injuries cut into his playing time last season. But in 29 appearances, Gibson had an 11-11-2 record with a 2.77 goals-against average and .912 save percentage. It was his best season in the last few years, and gave the Wings plenty of reason to acquire Gibson in a trade for goaltender Petr Mrazek and draft picks. The trade appears to have excited the locker room.
“I believe it does,” coach Todd McLellan said. “I have sensed around the group — I haven’t asked directly — but they’re real excited about having him here and feel he could be a difference-maker. Gibby’s effect on our team has been real positive.”
Gibson arrived in the Detroit area with his family, from his native Pittsburgh, approximately two weeks ago. He was involved in some informal skates at Belfor Training Center and has gotten to know new teammates.
But the time in training camp is proving to be extremely beneficial in terms of strengthening relationships and learning how the Wings operate on the ice.
“For me it’s just getting to know everybody,” Gibson said. “Know their tendencies and getting on the same page. I’ve been here for a bit and had two weeks of captain’s skates, so just getting to know everybody, and now it’s putting the details together and making sure we’re on the same page to start the season strong.”
