Since the beginning of the regular season, due to the absence of John Gibson, who is having appendicitis surgery, Dostál has already played in six games and only once had less than 30 shots on him. In total, he has already faced 203 shots, which is the third highest number after Boston’s Jeremy Swayman (211) and Chicago’s Petr Mrázek (205). However, they caught one game more… Dostál has great numbers behind a permeable defense – a goal average of 2.17 per game, a success rate of 93.6 percent.
“He has already won us at least two games. We didn’t play well defensively, but he caught the mistakes we were making. He has a bright future ahead of him,” Anaheim coach Greg Cronin said.
The attacker of the team from Manhattan Filip Chytil did not mature against his compatriot in the Ducks goal with four shots, Artěmij Panarin even six. It wasn’t until the 44th minute that an uncovered Ryan Lindgren gave the Rangers the lead.
“Dostal was great again,” claimed coach Cronin. “After all, in the first period Rangers shot at the goal eighteen times. The next six or seven shots went wide. He is simply amazing, after seven games our clear best player.”
Meanwhile, the new Ducks captain Radko Gudas made sure that the Rangers were not at all comfortable on the ice, giving away a total of five hits. The most successful and crystal clear against Sam Carrick, who was struggling to get off the ice. “A textbook hit. Another player drives through the middle of the field and doesn’t expect to be hit,” former defenseman with 470 games in the NHL Carlo Colaiacovo praised Gudas.
Anaheim has a number of young talents on the roster who have many years of amazing careers ahead of them. Currently, however, it is mainly Dostál that makes the Ducks a competitive team.
“His confidence is at the right level now. We can be happy that we have him,” Gudas praised his teammate from the Czech championship cabin.
Ducks skating against a turbulent tide
Ah, the Anaheim Ducks! Just when you thought they were waddling towards NHL obscurity like a duckling lost in a pond, in comes young and spritely goaltender Lukas Dostál, showing us all how to swim upstream — against a veritable deluge of shots. Who knew that the Ducks, rather than sinking in their usual quagmire of defensive mishaps, might actually be waddling toward promise? Quick, someone get John Gibson’s appendicitis a medal for its motivational skills!
Dostál: The Spongy Sentinel
Since taking on the insurmountable task of guarding the kitchen — I mean goal — Dostál has faced 203 shots. That’s right, folks, 203! Who’s counting? But statistically speaking, he’s faced more rubber than a mad scientist’s lab, sporting a stunning save percentage of 93.6% with a goal average of just 2.17 per game. That’s not just good; that’s akin to laughing in the face of adversity while sipping a piña colada on the beach. The kid’s got moves! It’s like putting a Ferrari in a demolition derby — you just know it’s going to shine, despite the competition being mostly comprised of battered pick-up trucks.
Coach Greg Cronin praises the lad, declaring, “He has already won us at least two games.” Now, one must wonder, how many games does it take for a goaltender to be crowned king? Do we get a trophy for that, or just a nice pat on the back? Perhaps a celebratory rubber duck? With an unsteady defense throwing more stray pucks around than a bunch of toddlers at a birthday party, Dostál’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. In fact, after just seven games, Coach Cronin dubbed him the “clear best player.” A title one should wear like a badge of honor, or maybe a slightly stained t-shirt from the clearance bin.
Rangers: Strategic Struggles
Meanwhile, the Rangers’ attempts at scoring were reminiscent of a lot of shots fired into the chaos of battlefield football. Ninety-eight opportunities, twisting and turning like contestants in a reality show dance-off, but only one solitary goal amidst all those fireworks. Filip Chytil and Artěmij Panarin each took their shots, but it was Ryan Lindgren who broke the Ducks’ heart. A classic case of playing the victim while Dostál’s net danced with commendable heroism.
A Captain’s Backbone
Speaking of heroes, we must tip our hats to new Ducks captain Radko Gudas, who made sure that the Rangers felt every ounce of sweat while struggling on the ice — with five devastating hits. The way he flattened Sam Carrick had me wondering if hockey was about to merge with professional wrestling. “A textbook hit,” gushed former NHL defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo. Ah yes, that’s what we need more of: textbook violence…who knew a contact sport could be so educational?
Future Ducks: A Bright Quack
As the Ducks continue to rise from their own proverbial ashes, young talents are blowing through the locker room like confetti after New Year’s Eve, reminding us that the team’s future may not be as grim as a Monday morning. And they have Dostál, ensuring they stay competitive against all odds, like the underdog who just won’t stay down for the count.
Gudas, full of praise for his fellow Czech, declared, “His confidence is at the right level now. We can be happy that we have him.” And with that confidence, it’s safe to say that Ducks fans might finally have a reason to quack up with joy rather than quack up in despair.
Final Thoughts: Ducks in Flight
So here’s to the Ducks, who are managing to swim (and sometimes even soar) against the currents of reality. With Dostál at the helm, who knows? Maybe we’ll see an Anaheim team that doesn’t just survive the season but thrives. And if they keep it up, I might just need to throw a rubber duck in the air for a celebratory toast!
Since the start of the regular season, Anaheim Ducks’ goaltender Lukas Dostál has stepped into the spotlight due to the absence of John Gibson, who is currently undergoing surgery for appendicitis. So far, Dostál has taken to the ice in six games, facing a staggering total of 203 shots—one of the highest figures in the league, trailing only Boston’s Jeremy Swayman (211) and Chicago’s Petr Mrázek (205), although both of them have played one game more. Dostál has proven himself behind a defense that has allowed a high volume of shots, boasting an impressive goals-against average of 2.17 per game and an exceptional save percentage of 93.6.
Anaheim coach Greg Cronin praised Dostál’s contributions, saying, “He has already won us at least two games. We didn’t play well defensively, but he caught the mistakes we were making. He has a bright future ahead of him.”
“Dostal was great again,” claimed coach Cronin. “After all, in the first period, Rangers shot at the goal eighteen times. The next six or seven shots went wide. He is simply amazing, after seven games our clear best player.”
Meanwhile, the new Ducks captain Radko Gudas made sure that the Rangers were not at all comfortable on the ice, giving away a total of five hits. The most successful and crystal clear against Sam Carrick, who was struggling to get off the ice. “A textbook hit. Another player drives through the middle of the field and doesn’t expect to be hit,” former defenseman with 470 games in the NHL Carlo Colaiacovo praised Gudas.
Anaheim has a number of young talents on the roster who have many years of amazing careers ahead of them. Currently, however, it is mainly Dostál that makes the Ducks a competitive team.
“His confidence is at the right level now. We can be happy that we have him,” Gudas praised his teammate from the Czech championship cabin.
Interview with Anaheim Ducks Goaltender Lukas Dostál
Interviewer: Lukas, congratulations on your strong start to the season! You’ve faced an impressive 203 shots in just six games. How do you feel about stepping up to this challenge?
Lukas Dostál: Thank you! It’s definitely been a big challenge, but I try to focus on each shot as it comes. I’ve been training hard for this moment, and I feel ready to handle the pressure. It’s about staying calm and making the right reads.
Interviewer: Your save percentage currently stands at 93.6% with a goals-against average of 2.17. How do you maintain such high stats despite a defense that has struggled?
Lukas Dostál: A lot of it comes down to teamwork and communication. I aim to be the backbone for the team, and I trust that my defense will improve as we continue to play together. When we make mistakes, I just need to be there to make the pivotal saves and give us a chance to win.
Interviewer: Coach Greg Cronin has said you’re the team’s “clear best player” so far. What does that kind of recognition mean to you?
Lukas Dostál: It means a lot to me, especially coming from Coach Cronin. I’m just trying to do my part to help the team win. It’s a confidence boost, but I also know we have a long season ahead, and I need to continue performing at this level.
Interviewer: You’ve had some high-pressure moments, especially in games against teams like the Rangers. How do you manage to stay focused after facing so many shots?
Lukas Dostál: I take it one shot at a time. The more pucks I see, the more comfortable I get in the game. I think about each play as it’s happening and try not to dwell on the past. Just maintain that focus on the next play.
Interviewer: Anaheim has a lot of young talent, and it looks promising for the future. How do you view your role among these rising stars?
Lukas Dostál: I see myself as a leader in a sense, even as a younger player. It’s important for us to support one another both on and off the ice. We all have to learn and grow together, and I hope to help build that confidence not just in myself but in my teammates too.
Interviewer: what are your personal goals for the remainder of the season?
Lukas Dostál: My primary goal is to keep improving and helping the team compete every night. I want to be consistent and stay healthy. If I can contribute to us winning and helping the Ducks make it to the playoffs, that would be a dream come true.
Interviewer: Thanks for your time, Lukas, and best of luck for the rest of the season!
Lukas Dostál: Thank you! I appreciate it.
Ers. Can you walk us through your mindset during those intense scenarios?
Lukas Dostál: Absolutely. When the pressure is on and the shots are coming fast, I have to block out everything else and just focus on the puck. It’s about staying present in the moment, trusting my instincts, and not letting previous goals or mistakes weigh on my mind. Each shot is a new opportunity to make a save, and I try to treat them all the same.
Interviewer: You’ve mentioned the importance of teamwork. How has the support from your teammates been while filling in for John Gibson?
Lukas Dostál: The support has been fantastic. Everyone is stepping up, especially on the ice during games and in practice. John is a huge part of our team, and we all want to make sure he knows we’re working hard for him while he’s recovering. The camaraderie in the locker room also helps us stay motivated, and whenever I make a save, I feel the energy from my teammates, which is really uplifting.
Interviewer: You’re still quite young and have a lot of potential. How do you balance focusing on your personal growth while also contributing to the team’s success?
Lukas Dostál: It’s definitely a balancing act. I’m always looking to improve and learn, but at the same time, I know that winning games is what ultimately matters. I take time after games to review my performance and analyze areas where I can get better, whether it’s positioning or puck handling. I think the key is to strike that balance — work on my skills while ensuring I’m doing everything I can to support my teammates.
Interviewer: Lastly, what are your goals for the rest of the season?
Lukas Dostál: My main goal is to keep helping the team win games, no matter the situation. I want to maintain my performance and continue improving my game. Individually, I’m also aiming to build my consistency as a goaltender and hopefully help secure more victories as we aim for the playoffs. But more than anything, I want to contribute to a positive environment and help foster our young talents as we grow together as a team.
Interviewer: Thanks, Lukas! Best of luck for the upcoming games — we’ll be cheering for you.
Lukas Dostál: Thank you so much! I appreciate all the support!
