Gibson blocks pucks, steals the show

JOHN GIBSON had 50 saves in goal for the Anaheim Ducks in their 3-2 win Sunday over the Florida Panthers (Photo by Bridget Samuels).

On Hall of Fame Night, when some of hockey’s greats were enshrined, the Anaheim Ducks got a just-enough performance and defeated the Florida Panthers 3-2 at Honda Center.

John Gibson put on an epic show by himself, with 50 saves. “When you come into a game, you might get 10 [saves] or you might get 50,” Gibson said. “You have to be ready to play every night.”

Former Ducks Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne were honored for their great careers, mostly with the Ducks. But after posting a 3-1 lead, the present-day Ducks could have used their help in holding off the visitors.

Anaheim got power play goals from Brandon Montour and Rickard Rakell following a tally by Josh Manson. But the Panthers closed to within one goal at the 17:01 mark of the third period, and mounted a fierce assault on the goal, only to be denied by Gibson’s heroics.

The win put the Ducks’ record at 9-7-3 and moves them into a tie for fourth place in the NHL Pacific. Next up will be a game in San Jose against the Sharks (10-8) on Monday.