Red Wings Coach Todd McLellan Defends Goaltender John Gibson

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On Saturday afternoon, the Detroit Red Wings snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, failing to protect a two-goal third-period lead against the St. Louis Blues. 

The Red Wings, who led 4-2 near the midway point of the game's final frame, took their foot off the gas, and the Blues took full advantage with three unanswered tallies - including two in 18 seconds - en route to a 5-4 win. 

Making matters even more disappointing is that the Red Wings had held St. Louis at bay for much of the game, limiting them to only a single shot on goal during the first period. 

But despite his goals-against average and save percentage taking a hit after allowing five goals on just 15 shots, goaltender John Gibson shouldn't be blamed for the loss, according to head coach Todd McLellan. 

"First one, no chance," McLellan said, recapping the goals scored by the Blues. "Second one was off the back post on the rim, really no chance. Two lasers from the hashmarks, one was a one-timer, and the last one was a tip-in.

You can look at five (goals) on 15 (shots against), and it's not going to show up really well in his numbers column," McLellan said. "You know, maybe get one of them. But don't pin that on John Gibson by any means."

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Gibson was beaten cleanly by both Pavel Buchnevich and Justin Barron in the third period, both of whom fired blasts past his blocker; the game-winning goal just 18 seconds after Barron tied the game was deflected by Aleksanteri Kaskimaki, who was credited for his first NHL goal. 

Last season, Gibson experienced a sluggish start in what was his first campaign with the Red Wings before going on an absolute heater in December, putting himself in the conversation for the Vezina Trophy. 

So far this season, the veteran goaltender whom Detroit acquired last summer from the Anaheim Ducks has gone 4-5-1 with a 3.37 goals-against average and a .860 save percentage. 

Right now, the Red Wings hope that they'll soon start seeing the version of Gibson from large portions of last season, during which he was one of the best players at the position in the NHL. 

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