Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson has played in seven NHL games, and won five of them.
It's one he lost -- Game 7 of the Western Conference Second Round to the Los Angeles Kings -- that is sticking with him, in a good way.
He discussed that and his offseason in a Q&A with the Ducks website published Thursday.
"I think we'll all use it for motivation for next year," Gibson said. "I don't think we have to worry about in a negative way, but I think we'll use it as a positive."
Gibson can afford to be optimistic. The 20-year-old is in line to be the Ducks' starter this season after Jonas Hiller signed with the Calgary Flames as a free agent. Gibson will compete with Frederik Andersen for the job.
"We've had some good conversations, but obviously nothing is ever set in stone," Gibson said. "I just want to come into training camp and play my game and hopefully have a good season."
Gibson made his NHL debut on April 7 with an 18-save shutout of the Vancouver Canucks. His Stanley Cup Playoff debut was a 28-save shutout of the Kings.
He followed that with a 39-save win before losing Games 6 and 7, the last allowing four goals on 18 shots.
"When you play in the playoffs, it's the best hockey there is," Gibson said. "If you can get an experience like that under your belt, it gives you some confidence that you can play at this level. Obviously the team we lost to are the Stanley Cup champions, so going against that kind of competition in your first year it helps you out and teaches you a lot. Hopefully you can stay there and have success at that level."
Gibson spoke to the website from his hometown of Pittsburgh, where he is spending his summer working out, fishing and golfing.
"Obviously [the season] ended a little earlier than I would have liked, but I think I learned a lot," he said. "I'll be ready to go next year, take what I learned, be better, and hopefully go further in the playoffs."
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