Feb 22, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (36) makes a save in front of Boston Bruins right wing Justin Brazeau (55) during the second period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

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Ducks Defeat Bruins in OT but Lose John Gibson to Injury

Anaheim secures a 3-2 OT win, but starting goalie John Gibson exits with an upper-body injury. Lukas Dostal steps up as Ducks extend their hot streak.

The Anaheim Ducks pulled off a thrilling 3-2 overtime win against the Boston Bruins on Saturday night, but the victory came at a cost. Starting goaltender John Gibson was forced to leave the game after two periods due to an upper-body injury, raising concerns about his availability moving forward.

Before his exit, Gibson was sharp, stopping 19 of the 20 shots he faced to keep Anaheim in the fight. Lukas Dostal took over in the third period and put up a solid performance, making nine saves on 10 shots to help secure the win. Rookie Leo Carlsson sealed the victory in overtime with just over a minute remaining.

Despite losing their star netminder, the Ducks remained focused. Forward Frank Vatrano emphasized the team’s resilience, saying, “We just have to believe in everyone in this room. We’re a really close group, we all get along. At the end of the day, everyone wants to play in the playoffs. I think for us, it’s about not getting too far ahead of ourselves, and try to take it game by game.”

John Gibson has an upper-body injury and will not return to this game. Lukas Dostal is now in net for us.
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) February 23, 2025

Gibson’s injury is especially concerning given his recent form. Over his previous six starts, he had only allowed more than two goals once, boasting an impressive .944 save percentage and a 1.82 goals-against average. His absence will be felt, particularly with the Ducks set to play again on Sunday evening against the Detroit Red Wings. Given the short turnaround, it’s likely that Dostal will get the start. The young netminder has been in strong form as well, posting a .964 save percentage in his last two appearances, making him a viable daily fantasy sports (DFS) option against Detroit.

Beyond his impact on the ice, Gibson has been one of the most talked-about goaltenders in trade discussions this season. If the Ducks decide to move him, he would demand a significant return. However, if they choose to keep him, his $6.4 million cap hit over the next two seasons could limit the team’s ability to make offseason moves.

Although Gibson’s individual stats have been affected by Anaheim’s struggles in recent years, his talent remains unquestioned. Last season, he posted a 13-27-2 record after a 14-31-8 campaign the year before. This season, he was 9-9-2 before Saturday’s game, proving that he can still perform at a high level when given the right support.

While the Ducks await an update on Gibson’s condition, they can take comfort in their recent strong performances. Saturday’s win marked their seventh victory in their last eight games, pushing them above .500 for the first time in four months.

Image Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

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Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!