Anaheim Ducks 'backup' goalie Viktor Fasth is making it almost impossible for head coach Bruce Boudreau to take him out of the lineup. Fasth stopped 31 shots for his first NHL shutout as the red-hot Ducks knocked off the Colorado Avalanche 3-0 on Wednesday.
Ducks' defenseman Francois Beauchemin scored in his 500th career game, while Sheldon Souray and Saku Koivu each added a goal and an assist in the triumph. It was Anaheim's fourth win in a row; improving their overall record to 7-1-1 and tying them for first place in the Pacific Division with the San Jose Sharks.
Once again Fasth was the story for Anaheim. He was sensational in stopping all 31 shots the Avalanche threw his way; many of the saves of the sprawling variety. His season totals are mind-boggling. Thanks to his first career shutout, Fasth's GAA has dipped to a microscopic 0.98 and his Sv% is an astounding .962. (Fantasy owners should buy, buy, buy!) He has now stopped 101 of the 105 shots he's faced through four games.
It looks as though Jonas Hiller may have to get used to that spot on the bench, at least for the time being, because Fasth isn't ready to relinquish the job at this point.
I would have to think Boudreau will stick with the hot-hand until Fasth shows any signs of stumbling. I do expect Hiller to see time on this trip, but only because Anaheim has two sets of back-to-backs.
Games Highlights courtesy of ESPN
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In other news....Anaheim acquired defenseman Ben Lovejoy from the Pittsburgh Penguins for a fifth-round pick in the draft. Lovejoy has only played in three games this season for Pittsburgh and was essentially forced out of the lineup. The Pens loss is hopefully the Ducks gain.
The addition of Lovejoy helps to shore up the bottom half of the Ducks defensive corps. With an injury to Cam Fowler and a less than inspiring start from free-agent addition Bryan Allen, the Ducks need all the help they can get.
San Jose Sharks Blogger • 
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