On Friday, Anaheim Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau announced that netminder Jonas Hiller would miss his third straight game and that Viktor Fasth would get the start against Detroit.
Boudreau said Hiller is showing improvement from a lower-body injury sustained last Friday vs. Dallas, but that he’d still require more rest.
Of course, there was no guarantee a healthy Hiller would’ve replaced Fasth anyway.
The 30-year-old rookie has been a revelation this year, starting the season 6-0-0 while posting a 1.74 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage.
Earlier this week, Boudreau raved about Fasth’s play.
“His demeanor is so calm,” Boudreau said. “He settles everything down when he’s on top of his game. He moves very Carey Price-ish, like side to side, almost robotic. It’s been such a pleasant surprise.”
Jeff Deslauriers will serve as Fasth’s backup tonight in Detroit.