Gibson went 31-18-7 with a 2.43 goals-against average, .926 save percentage and four shutouts in 2017-18, but the Ducks got swept by the San Jose Sharks in the first round.
They haven’t been to the playoffs since, declining as a contender, then going into a rebuild.
Over his first six seasons in Anaheim, Gibson went 119-77-28 with a 2.42 goals-against average, .921 save percentage and 18 shutouts. Over his last six seasons there, he went 85-140-35 with a 3.30 GAA, .901 save percentage and six shutouts.
Along the way, he got married. He and his wife, Alexa, bought their first big house. They had three children: Sophia, 5; Natalia, 4; and Mateo, 1½.
“A lot of firsts out there,” Gibson said. “Hockey was great early on. Obviously, the second half, hockey wasn’t the best. But you kind of look at other things in life. Three healthy kids. The friendships, the people. When you’re done playing hockey, it’s more about the relationships and the people you meet, regardless [of whether] I’m playing there, here, elsewhere. They’re friends that you always keep close.
“So, I think that’s the cool part, being able to go back. Being able to see some old teammates after the game and some friends after the game, that’ll be the most exciting part for me.”
Detroit acquired Gibson from Anaheim in a trade June 28. He had time to move into a house, get the kids in school and skate with his teammates, easing his first transition to a new team in the NHL.
“I think now I’m starting to get comfortable and can just go out there and play my game,” he said. “A couple bumps in the road here, but it’s a long season. It’s going to happen. Just having fun right now.”
Gibson gave up five goals on 13 shots and was pulled from his Red Wings debut, a 5-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Oct. 9. He has a 3.20 goals-against average and .876 save percentage. But the Red Wings have been sorting out issues in front of their goalies, and Gibson is 4-2-0.
“His numbers don’t look like he’s been playing well, but other than the opening night, he’s been pretty solid,” McLellan said.
This will be a quick reunion. Gibson hopes to see folks like Ducks director of goaltending Sudarshan Maharaj after the game in Anaheim. Then it will be time to go again as he and the Red Wings try to return to the playoffs.
“There’s a long list of my people,” Gibson said. “Probably at the top is my old goalie coach ‘Sudsie’ there. I still keep in contact with him. He was more of a friend than a goalie coach. I’m just grateful for all the people and the fans and the organization out there.”
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