The NHL playoff races are heating up, and Anaheim Ducks' goalie John Gibson has just served up a save that might go down as the "Save of the Year." On Wednesday night, during a faceoff against the Vancouver Canucks, Gibson delivered a moment fans won’t forget—despite the Ducks ultimately falling short of victory.

In the first period, Vancouver's Brock Boeser fired off a shot near the crease after receiving a clean pass. Gibson initially stopped the puck, but as it hovered dangerously in midair, it seemed destined for the back of the net. What happened next was pure magic: Gibson channeled some serious "Pistol Pete" flair and reached behind his back with his glove to snatch the puck in a jaw-dropping save. The puck popped out of the glove, but the refs blew the play dead, sparing the Ducks from what looked like an inevitable goal. Even if it wasn't perfect, Gibson's quick thinking saved the moment, if not the game.

Unfortunately, the night wasn’t all highlights for Gibson. Later in the game, he suffered a lower body injury after Vancouver winger Drew O’Connor collided with him in the crease. The collision sent both players sprawling awkwardly into the net, leaving Gibson down on the ice for several minutes. O’Connor was handed a goaltender interference penalty, but the damage was done. Gibson had to be helped off the ice, and Lukas Dostal stepped in as relief goalie.

Before his exit, Gibson managed to stop 19 of 21 shots. Dostal held his own, making 14 saves, but the Ducks couldn’t close the gap. Trailing 3-1 early in the third period, Anaheim fought hard but failed to connect on a potential game-tying goal. The loss was a setback for the Ducks, who are vying for a playoff spot, even after an impressive 6-2 win over the reigning Western Conference champions earlier in the week. The Canucks, also battling for a postseason berth, capitalized on the opportunity and secured a much-needed win.

While the Ducks’ playoff hopes took a hit, Gibson’s behind-the-back heroics gave hockey fans a highlight they’ll be talking about for years. Now, let’s just hope his injury doesn’t sideline him for too long.

Anaheim Ducks News

Ducks' Goalie John Gibson Stuns with Behind-the-Back Save of the Year Candidate