The state of the LA Dodgers heading into Spring Training 2018 by Sarah Maninger

In his first season as a member of the Anaheim Ducks, Ryan Miller has given his new team a dependable goalie to spell starter John Gibson. He has gone 6-2-4 in 14 games and a 2.14 GAA.

After a heart-wrenching loss in the Western Conference Finals to the Nashville Predators last year, Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray knew that acquiring a dependable back-up goaltender was a priority in the off-season.

Starter John Gibson is a top goalie option when healthy; however, he has battled injuries throughout his young career. In the decisive win-or-go-home Game 6 against the Predators last year, the Ducks had to rely on back-up Jonathan Bernier to push for a Game 7 because of a lower-body injury to John Gibson.

Bernier had just a .750 save percentage in the game which the Ducks ultimately lost 6-3. On the first day of free-agency, Murray signed the former Vezina Trophy Winner Ryan Miller to a two-year deal. This deal is proving to be one of the most underrated acquisitions during the offseason.

Gibson was hurt with 6:40 remaining in the third period of the Duck’s final game before the All-Star Break when Jets’ captain Blake Wheeler lost an edge and collided with the knee of unsuspecting Gibson.

Ducks goalie John Gibson has to leave the game after #NHLJets Wheeler falls and slides into him. #WPGvsANA pic.twitter.com/Omjyk1xsXX — M Remis (@mremis) January 26, 2018

Miller came in to relieve the starter and earned the rare 0 save victory, although he saved all the shots in the shoot-out. The Ducks ultimately came out victorious with the 4-3 win, however, Ducks fans nationwide await the announcement regarding the severity of the lower-body injury sustained to John Gibson.

According to Eric Stephens, John Gibson was pictured in practice in Boston ahead of the first game back from the break. This is a welcome sign for all Ducks fans.

If Gibson were to miss any time, the Ducks are in good hands with the veteran Ryan Miller. As the Anaheim Ducks make their push for a playoff spot in the second half of the season, the importance of the tandem in net will not go unnoticed.