The Detroit Red Wings’ impressive 4-1 win over the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on Wednesday night could have unleashed an unexpected situation for the club.
Heading into the season, it seemed like goalie John Gibson would pretty much take over the starting role. Of course, Cam Talbot would remain with the club as insurance.
Well, it seems that insurance policy has come in handy for the Red Wings. After a disastrous first outing, Talbot has taken the reins since getting the nod. Talbot has now won three straight, two over the Toronto Maple Leafs and one over the Panthers, and has looked sharp.
So, the question begs: Is there a goalie controversy in Detroit?
The short answer is no. The Red Wings have a clear starting netminder, and it’s Cam Talbot. Gibson, unfortunately, has not lived up to the billing. Sure, he got one start, but coach Todd McLellan is riding the hot hand. That hot hand is Talbot. End of story.
The long answer, however, is much more complex and could lead the Red Wings down an arduous path.
Red Wings should give Gibson another shot
The Red Wings will, naturally, give John Gibson another shot. But when could that be?
The Wings next play on Friday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. They have another game on Sunday afternoon against the Edmonton Oilers, and then a back-to-back set next Wednesday and Thursday in New York against the Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders.
Could one of those back-to-back games be when fans get to see Gibson again?
The smart money would be on Gibson getting the call on Wednesday against the Sabres. That situation means Talbot could play two more games before getting a day off. Unless Talbot has an awful game against the Lightning and/or Oilers, he could cement himself as the starter.
If that’s the case, fans will lead to question why Steve Yzerman traded for Gibson in the first place. But then again, fans can’t blame Yzerman for Gibson’s performance on the ice. If Gibson manages to turn things around, and Red Wings fans hope he does, the club could have two solid goalies this season.