"I Try And Keep It Simple": John Gibson Reflects On First Season With Red Wings

However, Gibson believes that in a hockey-crazed market like Detroit, it's just part of the job.

"I mean, it's part of the job," he said. "No matter where you play, you're going to hear the outside noise, and in a big market like this that is dying to get back to the playoffs, it's kind of expected. So, you just have to play. We put ourselves in this spot, and there's really nobody to blame or be mad at other than ourselves."

"It's a learning lesson, and hopefully we'll use it next year as motivation."

Gibson struggled out of the gate with Detroit, getting pulled in his first start on Oct. 9 against the Montreal Canadiens and posting a 5-7-1 record with a 3.59 goals-against average over his first 13 appearances.

But thanks to his hot stretch in December and January, he put himself into conversation for the Vezina Trophy, which goes annually to the NHL's best goaltender.

I think, for whatever reason, it took a little longer to find my game this year," Gibson said. "(I want to) make sure next year to put more emphasis on getting off to a hot start. I've taken pride in that throughout my career, wanting to get off to a good start."

"Unfortunately, it wasn't the case this year, so I'll try to make sure it's different next year."

Gibson has one season remaining on his contract, which carries a $6.4 million cap hit.

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