John Gibson stopped all 38 Blackhawk shots en route to a 1-0 victory Tuesday night. The Ducks lone goal was scored shorthanded by Devante Smith-Pelly when he went coast to coast after Chicago defenseman Brent Seabrook fell down at the blueline and lost the puck. On this night one goal was enough because Gibson turned in his best outing this season. He attributed his success to getting back to basics, he told Ducks.com “I just tried to simplify my game, do the little things and get back to the way I play.”

Coach Bruce Boudreau didn't exactly have his best defensemen on the ice, but it worked. Clayton Stoner was paired with Cam Fowler and both played a good game. Stoner in particular looked a little more mobile than he had in the past. Boudreau mixed up his forward lines as well, without the same success, but a win is a win, especially on the road in Chicago. Before the game gtrman09 had this one nailed in the forums. He said “Just remember that BB pushed literally every button correctly during the regular season last year. Whatever decisions he makes usually work to perfection. I've learned to stop doubting him. “ The results justified his faith.

Dany Heatley made a quiet return to the lineup. He had one shot and one hit in 13:26 of ice time. Once the rink rust is off, his ice time should increase. Hampus Lindholm was able to shake off the bug that caused him to miss Monday's practice. He contributed over 21 minutes of ice time including three and a half solid minutes on the penalty kill. He may have been the unsung hero of the night.

Ducks at Blues Tonight

When it comes to injuries sometimes when it rains it pours. The Blues were already without Paul Stastny and now both TJ Oshie and David Backes are out of the lineup with concussions. The Ducks may have caught a break, those three players would be the top line on several teams.

Boudreau will ride the hot hand and send Gibson back between the pipes tonight. Frederik Andersen should start the latter half of the back to back games tomorrow in Dallas. The forward lines however will get a light shuffle as the left wings will change lines. William Karlsson, an early season favorite of the coach will be scratched for the second straight game. The lineup should be:

Forwards
Beleskey-Getzlaf-Perry
Heatley-Kesler-DSP
Cogliano-Thompson-Silfverberg
Etem-Rakell-Jackman

Defense
Beauchemin-Lindholm
Fowler-Stoner
Fistric-Vatanen

Goalie
Gibson
Andersen

One last note. Patrick Maroon is healing much faster than expected. He may return to the lineup as early as Sunday in Colorado.

-Ed

Join the Discussion: » 23 Comments » Post New Comment

» Vats Up? It's all about the D

» On the Rebound

» Pass the Duc(t) Tape

» Pick up the Pieces

» Game Day: Teed Off or Tee Off?