​The Detroit Red Wings have a goaltending controversy brewing, and head coach Todd McLellan just made a decision that could raise some eyebrows among the fan base. Despite watching Daniil Tarasov deliver an outstanding performance in his first start of the season, McLellan is going back to John Gibson for Tuesday night’s matchup against the New Jersey Devils.According to Daily Faceoff’s confirmed starting goalie report, Gibson will get the start against New Jersey after a difficult outing against the Seattle Kraken in which he was pulled after allowing five goals on 15 shots. The decision comes just days after Tarasov stopped all 30 shots he faced against the Montreal Canadiens, creating an interesting debate about how Detroit should handle its goaltending situation moving forward.Feb 28, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Detroit Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan looks on against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Todd McLellan Goes Back to John GibsonGibson entered the 2026-27 season as Detroit’s established No. 1 goaltender, but his early results have been less than encouraging. Through four appearances, the 33-year-old has posted a 1-3-0 record, a 3.41 goals-against average, and an .862 save percentage.His most recent appearance was particularly concerning, as Detroit surrendered six goals in a 6-3 loss to Seattle on Friday night. Gibson was pulled during the second period after allowing five goals on 15 shots, forcing Tarasov into action earlier than originally planned.Following that loss, McLellan refused to place all the blame on his goaltender, acknowledging that the entire team had contributed to the disappointing performance.“This was a 30-man loss. Players, coaches, goaltenders, everybody.”The Red Wings’ official game recap included McLellan’s assessment, which made it clear that Detroit’s defensive breakdowns extended beyond Gibson. Nevertheless, the veteran netminder’s individual numbers have left plenty of room for concern.Rather than riding the hot hand, McLellan is giving Gibson an immediate opportunity to bounce back. It’s a decision that demonstrates confidence in his veteran starter, although Tarasov’s recent performance gives fans a legitimate reason to question whether Detroit should have gone in another direction.Daniil Tarasov Was Outstanding Against MontrealWhat makes McLellan’s decision particularly interesting is what happened Saturday night against the Canadiens. Making his first start in a Red Wings uniform, Tarasov delivered one of the team’s best individual performances of the young season.The 27-year-old stopped all 30 shots he faced during regulation and overtime, helping Detroit earn a valuable standings point despite eventually falling 1-0 in a shootout. Tarasov also turned aside five of Montreal’s six shootout attempts, giving his teammates every opportunity