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GO DUCKS!
Ducks fans have a lot to be thankful for as we approach the holiday season. Weeeelll… They at least have two things to be thankful for, and they’re most certainly connected.
The first, being in a playoff spot (God knows that their goal differential doesn’t seem like one of a playoff team). Their leading scorer, Ryan Getzlaf (9 G, 20 A, 29 P) , is tied for 71st in the league and the only other teams who have a leading point scorer below 29 are the Arizona Coyotes (24), Los Angles Kings (22), New York Islanders (28), and the Vegas Golden Knights (tied at 29).
Can you see a common thread?
Other than Vegas and Anaheim, none are in a playoff spot while only Vegas and New York have a positive goal differential.
Now, part 2, and most important, John Gibson (momma, there goes that man!). Despite being 11th goals allowed average (2.52), Gibby has been everything to his club. His .926 save percentage (3rd in the NHL) doesn’t even being to encapsulate his value. Despite having the most competent back up around, Ryan Miller, the Ducks have only won 4 of the 8 games started by backups (Chad Johnson is 0-1 in starts).
All of this goes to say, John Gibson is my front runner for the Vezina Trophy at the (almost) half way point of the season and could, with a little help in front, Ryan Getzlaf, and the return of Corey Perry, carry this less than stellar Ducks squad, kicking and screaming, into the playoffs.