Ducks’ John Gibson goes to minors for work; Maroon, Allen on IR

After three straight victories by Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen, Anaheim rookie goalie John Gibson asked the team if he could stay behind on the East Coast and get work in net for the team’s minor-league affiliate in Norfolk, Va.

The Ducks said yes, announcing Wednesday that Norfolk’s usual starter Jason LaBarbera is coming to Anaheim to likely back up Andersen for Friday’s home opener against Minnesota.

Journeyman LaBarbera has 182 games of NHL experience, going 60-79-13 with the Kings, New York Rangers, Vancouver, Phoenix and Edmonton.

Gibson, after playing at Norfolk against Manchester Friday and Saturday, could return to Anaheim by Sunday, when the Ducks play at Honda Center against Pacific Division rival San Jose.

Gibson, 21, struggled mightily in the Ducks’ Thursday season-opener in his hometown of Pittsburgh, giving up six goals on 39 shots. Several Ducks teammates said they hung the rookie out to dry with sloppy defense and passing.

Yet, Ducks Coach Bruce Boudreau admitted that by starting Andersen Tuesday in Philadelphia (a 4-3 shootout win), playing at the Flyers was “tough” and filled with pressure for Gibson.

Boudreau said at the start of the road trip that both goalies would play two games.

If he hadn’t played in Friday’s home opener, Gibson was staring at 10 days between games, and he decided he needed the extra game action instead of letting rust set in.

In addition to promoting LaBarbera, the Ducks called up forward Chris Wagner from Norfolk after he was named American Hockey League player of the week by scoring a hat trick with two short-handed goals Saturday against Hershey.

Wagner will fill the roster spot left vacant by forward Patrick Maroon, who injured his left knee in Monday’s 5-1 victory over Buffalo and will undergo a thorough examination later today.

Maroon and defenseman Bryan Allen (lower body injury) were placed on injured reserve by the Ducks on Wednesday. Allen hasn’t played yet so he’s free to return whenever deemed healthy.

Maroon will be eligible to be activated on Tuesday.