John Gibson and Jonathan Quick shut down NHL’s All-Star offenses

NASHVILLE – For a full 20 minutes of the Pacific Division’s 1-0 win over the Atlantic Division in the final contest of the NHL All-Star Game, the league’s best shooters had free range to fire open shots on Jonathan Quick and John Gibson. 

And both goaltenders stretched their bodies with save after save to preserve a shutout for 20 full minutes in the 3-on-3 format.

John Scott’s story was the weekend’s most touching. From a hockey perspective the skill of Quick and Gibson was arguably the most impressive.

Quick stopped 10 Atlantic Division shots on goal. Gibson, a rookie, turned away seven. Gibson even showed some athleticism with split saves that displayed uncommon effort for an All-Star Game. Quick said it was more instinct taking over for them. Even if players weren’t going 100 percent, they still didn’t want to allow a goal. 

“I think it’s kind of the nature of how you play,” he said. “Once you get put in that end of the situation where you have to make a save like that you really don’t know any other way than to try to make a save like that.”

Though Gibson, who had a 1.91 goal-against average and .923 save percentage, was an All-Star, he’s not considered the undisputed No. 1 goaltender on his team. He’s just taken over that role with Frederik Andersen fighting injuries. Still, he’s a player who has the mentality and the talent to take over the starting position. Gibson was Team USA’s starting goaltender for their 2012-13 World Junior Championship victory, but he’s often fought injuries and inconsistency as a pro.

But this year he’s put it all together for the Ducks, and his All-Star performance was expected by teammate Corey Perry

“He’s done it all year for us and I think people are just starting to see what he can do on a big stage,” Perry said. “I mean, this is an All-Star Game, but there’s a lot of skill and a lot of firepower out there and guys are trying. When you can say you got a shutout in an All-Star Game, it’s pretty remarkable.”

The Ducks entered the All-Star break winning four of five games and Gibson will likely be a big part of the team’s second-half push. Anaheim is currently two points behind the Arizona Coyotes for the final Pacific Division playoff spot.

Making tough saves in difficult situations is common for Quick. He led the Kings to the 2012 Stanley Cup with a Conn Smythe winning performance including a .946 save percentage.

“That’s the Pacific Division for you,” Kings defenseman Drew Doughty said. “We like to play tight games and win games by one or two goals and we’re fine with that.”

MORE FROM YAHOO HOCKEY

– – – – – – –

Josh Cooper is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @joshuacooper