John Gibson Delivers 32 Saves in Red Wings’ OT Win vs . Lightning

DETROIT — The Detroit Red Wings’ 4-1 record after five division games offers supporting evidence for the case of the team having improved goaltending over last season.

Goalie John Gibson, acquired from Anaheim in the offseason, put up 32 saves — including 19 in the third period — to carve out a path for the Red Wings to down the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 on Dylan Larkin’s overtime goal.

After the Lightning only managed 11 shots on goal in the first 40 minutes, they could have easily netted multiple goals in the third period if not for Gibson’s work.

“Our power play has to score or establish momentum, and it didn’t do either,” Detroit coach Todd McLellan said. “So all of a sudden they’re going, okay, they didn’t score. We’re in this thing. And then they started to push.”

John Gibson you freak are you kidding us right now with those saves 🤯

Fans are chanting Gibby in LCA right now 🐙#LGRW #RedWings

— Hockeytown Rundown (@HockeytownRD) October 18, 2025

Tampa Bay went more than 13 minutes without getting a shot but made up for it in third period when he was under siege. He made a magnificent toe save on Jake Guentzel and then stuffed him on the rebound with under seven minutes to go. The Lightning tied the score 1-1 on J.J. Moser’s first goal of the season with 3:43 left in regulation.

Gibson was also in net in the Red Wings’ opener when they lost 5-1 to Montreal.  The Pittsburgh native gave up five goals and made eight saves in that one.

Act of Redemption

“I didn’t have a really good first game and it was unfortunate timing wise, but it’s a long season and just get back to playing my game,” Gibson said.  “Guys did a really good job tonight in front of me blocking shots and clearing the shooting lane. So helped me out and it was a good team win.”

The Red Wings have won four in a row with two wins against Toronto and one each against Florida and Tampa Bay.  Both Cam Talbot (3-0, 1.76 GAA, .932 save percentage) and Gibson (.969 save percentage vs. Tampa Bay) have contributed noteworthy performances. Talbot gave up one goal in a 4-1 win against the two-time defending champion Panthers on Wednesday.

If the Red Wings could even above-average goaltending this season, it would give them a shot to end their nine-year playoff drought.

Gibson didn’t see many shots in the first period, but he faced a power play and some dangerous rushes to help him maintain his focus.

“Just got to stay with it, I think,” Gibson said. “I think the toughest part was probably like the first 10 minutes not getting any shots and
then you kind of get one off the head just to make sure you’re in the game. So it’s part of the job. Some nights you get bombarded
with shots. Sometimes it’s more spread out. That’s just the nature of the position. You just always got to be ready. So just tried
to be ready for whenever my name was called.”

Readiness is what the Red Wings didn’t always have last season. They had dependable goalie sometimes. This season, they hope to have it all of the time.