Gibson's career night: 51 saves, a shootout win, and being pulled
John GIbson's going to remember New Year's Day 2017.
The Anaheim Ducks goaltender tied a franchise mark - and set his own career high - with a 51-save performance in a 4-3 shootout win against the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday, equaling the club record set by Jonas Hiller in December 2008.
Gibson's night didn't look so promising to begin with. He was pulled early in the second period after allowing his third goal on 21 shots, and second in under 90 seconds, as the Ducks squandered a 3-1 lead. But Gibson's departure was apparently only for a breather. He returned and replaced backup Jonathan Bernier, who made one save in 3:48 of action.
The break worked. Gibson stopped all 33 shots he faced the rest of the way, and made four of five saves in the shootout to give the Ducks two points.
The Flyers ended the non-skills-competition portion of the game with a ridiculous 55-25 advantage on the shot clock. Randy Carlyle hockey, in other words:
There have been 111 games since 2008 where a team has given up 50 shots in a game. 11 were coached by Randy Carlyle. That seems like a lot.
— Adam Gretz (@AGretz) January 2, 2017
The Ducks have won eight straight against the Flyers, and are 11-0-2 against Philly in the last 13 meetings between the teams.