It's not fun for J.S. Giguere with the news today that Hiller has signed a 4-year, probably $18 million contract with Anaheim. But at least the grueling "win and you're in" game is over. What a relief for both guys.
Check out the story by John Manasso on Jonas Hiller at nhl.com. It gives an interesting perspective on the relationship between the two guys:
Jiggy on Hiller: "He's a great kid. People always think we're in a competition, but I don't believe in that. He's a teammate and I want him to be successful. when I play, I don't compete against him, I compete against the puck."
Hillsy on Giguere: "Even though he doesn't play and I know he's not happy with the situation...even through all of the circumstances, he's a great guy, he's not mad at me or anything. He tries to help me and that makes it easier, and I'm definitely very thankful for his help and having him around."
Maybe now we can move forward with a little less anxiety and a lot more energy. Jiggy fans know he's not done yet with the net. It's hard to lose him, which I'm sure we will, but maybe being first in goal on another team will be the tonic he needs to be the amazing goalie he was in 2007. It will certainly be hard for our guys to face him as an opponent. When he's on, he's a force of nature: yelling encouragement to his teammates, playing way out of net to keep the puck in play, and forcefully challenging guys in one-on-one situations. Those of us who love his style wish him all the luck in the world.—Anne Valdespino