Oct 22, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Detroit Red Wings goalie John Gibson (36) handles the puck against the Vancouver Canucks in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images Red Wings netminder John Gibson exited the team’s matchup with the Vancouver Canucks after the second period, after facing just five shots on goal through the first 40 minutes of play.
Broadcaster Ken Daniels described the update from the team during play as Gibson having an upper-body injury. Gibson has started in six games (not including tonight) in the first month of the Red Wings’ season, sporting a 2-3-1 record with a 3.58 GAA and .873 save percentage.
The Red Wings, already banged up at netminder after backup Daniil Tarasov tweaked an injury at yesterday’s practice skate, had called up Czech netminder and NHL rookie Michal Postava, who started the third period in Gibson’s place against the Canucks tonight. It was Postava’s NHL debut.
“After the second period they just told me Gibby had some problem with his eye,” Postava said. Postava made six saves in the third period, surrendering one goal to Canucks forward Jonathan Lekkerimäki as the Red Wings went on to win the game 5-2.
The 24-year-old managed to take over the Grand Rapids Griffins net last year in the AHL, supplanting the Red Wings’ last top prospect netminder, Sebastian Cossa, for the team’s postseason run. This year, Postava has been the Griffins’ primary netminder and was named AHL player of the week earlier this month.
“I think it’s the reward for me. All the work I do this year and last year.” Postava said postgame.
The Red Wings found themselves in a similar situation with former top prospect netminder and current Utah Mammoth backup Cossa, whose sole official appearance in a Red Wings uniform came in relief of Ville Husso in a December 2024 game at Buffalo.
