Anaheim Ducks: Positives to take away after a rough 2018 season

2. The goaltenders

While the Anaheim Ducks offense sputtered, the goaltending tandem of John Gibson and Ryan Miller was outstanding. The numbers of Gibson (26-22-8, 2.84 GAA, .917 save percentage) and Miller (8-7-2, 2.76 GAA, .912 save percentage) seem mediocre on the surface, but they do not tell the whole story.

Truthfully, this Ducks team played defense far too frequently for a majority of the season and the efforts of Gibson and Miller are the only reasons why the Ducks were not worse off. They kept the games close, making save after save to keep the Ducks within striking distance.

It is safe to say that if Gibson and Miller were not as good as they were, this Ducks team would not be as competitive and likely be at the bottom of the standings.

Their goaltending covered up a lot of poor play in front of them, but unfortunately, they just did not get enough of offensive support to will the Ducks to victories more often.

Goaltending should be the least of the Ducks worries heading into the offseason. Gibson is one of the best goaltenders in the league and with the Ducks playing better late in the season, he rattled off victories in eight of his last nine games.

The only concern is that Miller’s contract ends on July 1, and its possible he could retire or join another team. At 38 years old, Miller can still play the game well and if he does stay with the Ducks next season, it is no doubt goaltending would remain a big strength.