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Gibson to start Game 1 for Ducks, but Andersen ‘ready for the playoffs as well’

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The Ducks' ugly start had fans worried and calling for coach Bruce Boudreau's job, but over the course of the season they turned things around and have become a playoff threat. Can the quiet Predators cause an upset?

Frederik Andersen’s shutout in the final game of the Ducks’ regular season didn’t change Bruce Boudreau’s mind.

John Gibson was reportedly the first goalie off the ice this morning in Anaheim, confirmation that he’ll be the Ducks’ starter tonight in Game 1 of their series with Nashville.

On Sunday, Andersen made 24 saves in a 2-0 win over the Capitals in Washington. The 26-year-old finished the season 22-9-7 with a .919 save percentage.

From Sunday’s story in the Los Angeles Daily News:

Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau said he had John Gibson penciled to start Game 1 and hasn’t changed his mind. But there are also four days until then. “Got a long ride home though,” he said.

“Freddie was tremendous,” Boudreau said. “That could have been as good as I’ve ever seen him. His movements. He was square to the puck. There was no extra movements in his game. It certainly was sending a message to us that I know he hasn’t played for a little bit but he’s ready for the playoffs as well.”

Like Andersen, Gibson enjoyed a fine season, the 22-year-old finishing 21-13-4 with a .920 save percentage.

Unlike Andersen, Gibson is the goalie the Ducks have been grooming to become their starter since drafting him 39th overall in 2011. He’s signed through 2018-19 for a cap hit of just $2.3 million.

Andersen, meanwhile, is a pending restricted free agent who, based on speculation, could end up on the trading block in the offseason.

Of course, a lot could happen between now and the summer. Gibson is the man now. But with Andersen available, Gibson better be good.