We are just over two weeks away from the start of training camp, and the Anaheim Ducks still have many items on their to do list. The most important being who is their main goaltender: Frederik Andersen or John Gibson?
The Case for Frederik Andersen
Last season Andersen proved himself to be an adept NHL goalie. He earned a ton of respect by stepping in as a 24-year-old rookie and backstopping a veteran team in the absence of Anaheim's top-two goalies. In the regular season, he won 20 of 28 games played with a 2.29 goals against average and an impressive .923 save percentage.
At 6-foot-4, 247-lbs he takes up a large portion of the net. What was more impressive was his competition level throughout the season. He kept his team in the game on many occasions. The Ducks really couldn't have asked for more from Andersen, as he far exceeded their expectations. They thought enough of his abilities to trade Viktor Fasth to Edmonton last season and then let incumbent Jonas Hiller leave via free agency.
The Case Against Frederik Andersen
Call it burnout or the rookie wall, but by the end of the season Andersen looked spent. From October through January he never let in four or more goals in any appearance. Beginning in February, the opposition scored four goals against him on five different occasions. He didn't exactly set the playoffs on fire either. He was 3-4 in the second season with a 3.10 goals against average and .899 save percentage.
Ideally, you want your goalie to step it up in the playoffs.
The Case For John Gibson
Gibson was drafted in the second-round of the 2011 NHL Draft to be a future number one goalie, and he has all the tools to be the main goaltender for years to come. Gibson combines size and skill with a cool and calming presence between the pipes. The Ducks got a taste of what is to come with his outstanding play during both the regular and postseason. When the teams other goalies weren't quite up to the task in the playoffs, he was. The future could be now.
The Case Against John Gibson
Although he is uber-talented, the Pittsburgh, Penn. native is still only 21 years old. Gibson has made a total of 49 regular season and 10 playoff appearances as a professional. It is fair to say that he is further along than other goalies his age, but he still lacks experience. In addition to the his talent, Gibson also showed an occasional lack of experience during his time with the Ducks. The NHL is a tough place to get on the job experience.
Conclusion
Gibson is the more talented of the two, but it isn't his time yet. I believe in placing people in a position to succeed. Having him learn the tough lessons he must for a Cup contending team, is not in either his or the Ducks best interests. Andersen has proved he can handle the responsibility of the number one job. He has seen where his wall is; and like many second year players, should be able to push through it. Andersen should open the season as the Ducks' number one goalie with Jason LaBarbera as his backup. Gibson should start the season in Norfolk in order to gain some much needed experience. He will be the next man up if either of the team's top two goalies get hurt. Additionally, I he'll get a cameo appearance here and there to show how his game has developed