The Anaheim Ducks are starting to look like that team that dominated the Western Conference during the regular season. After injuries took out a significant portion of their lineup, the Ducks placed their faith in a rookie goalie making his first NHL start and a few league veterans. The result was a win against the Los Angeles Kings that tied the series as the Ducks head back to play Game 5 in front of a home crowd.
John Gibson got the call for Game 4 after injuries knocked out depth for Anaheim. He did everything right against the award-winning Jonathan Quick who was actually pulled in game after giving up two first-period goals. Gibson was activated from the minors after Frederick Andersen got hurt. The Ducks did not have much confidence in veteran Jonas Hiller, opting for the rookie instead. He recorded a shutout, the first goalie to do so in their first playoff start since Hiller.
Gibson is no average rookie. He anchored the US National Team last year, winning a bronze medal at the world championships. He looked every bit the seasoned vet against the Kings while playing in a hostile road environment. He was aggressive, cutting off shot angels, looking more like Quick than Quick himself.
The loss for the Kings is a tough blow. After winning six straight games, the Kings fell in back-to-back home games. After winning both matchups in Anaheim, Los Angeles was thinking sweep and is now fighting for the lead once again. A short memory for everyone on the team will be critical, especially for Quick. If the Kings are going to be successful, he must return to his usual form and avoid the two-goal first periods like in Game 4. The Kings have scored just three goals in the past eight periods and forward Marian Gaborik is aware that they must get more aggressive in order to get the lead again.
