Opinion: Gibby Isn’t Leaving

By George Casner

Guess who’s back? That’s right, I’m back! I apologize for my absence, but I was in a electrical trade school for the past 18 months. But that’s enough about me, let’s get to the crux of the matter: John Gibson isn’t leaving.

A bold statement, yes, but allow me to explain. First let’s just go with the man himself. He stated in June of this past year, “No. I want to win in Anaheim. I’ve been here and I’m happy to be here” in regards to if he wanted to be traded. Why that hasn’t settled this argument is beyond me, but I have more proof: his numbers.

Let’s compare the last few years:

2019-2020: he played 51 games, had a 3.00 GAA, and a save percentage of .904%

2020-2021: he played 35 games, had a 2.98 GAA, and a save percentage of .903%

In 2021-2022: he played 56 games, had a 3.19 GAA, and a save percentage of .904%

Lastly, this year: he has played 18 games, has a 3.99 GAA, and a save percentage of .894%

“But, George,” I can hear you saying, “his numbers have gotten worse this year! Clearly he is washed up. We need to trade him.”

You know what other number has gotten worse? The team’s goal against per game average.

2019-2020: 3.17

2020-2021: 3.16

2021-2022: 3.24

2022-2023: 4.17

Now, looking at numbers against numbers, Gibby’s save percentage has, relatively, stayed the same, but the team’s goals against per game rose a little last year and jumped this year.

So, if Gibby’s save percentage isn’t to blame, what is?

Well, as discussed on our podcast, the Ducks defense has serious issues. You need not look more than their shots against. The league average is 734 but the Ducks have faced 896. A difference of 162.

Now, let’s compare that to 2021-2022. The league average was 2,593 but the Ducks faced 2,725. A difference of 132.

In 2020-2021 the league average was 1,678 and the Ducks faced 1,712. A difference of 34.

The difference between the past two years from the third is very telling. The defense has fallen by the wayside and that really become prevalent after the trade deadline.

So, to wrap this up, if defense is the problem, then why are we pointing fingers at Gibby? The answer is two-fold:

1. He is the goalie, so people tend to blame him regardless of whether it is his fault or not. The notion a goalie is expected to stop every single shot is just absurd.

2. He hasn’t been playing his typical lights-out style. And, quite frankly, why should he? Everyone from the players to the management knows this team isn’t going to make the playoffs. So why would he do astronomical saves and risk hurting himself when there is no payoff at the end of the season?

In my opinion, Gibby, though he gets frustrated losing, sees this team is on the right track and is will to stick around to see it through to the end. I believe he will continue being a Duck through the rebuild and will help push them deep in the playoffs again.

For more in depth discussion about Gibson and the Ducks play so far this season listen to our show by clicking below or visit us at Podomatic, Rumble, Spreaker, or YouTube.

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December 2nd, 2022