A thrilling goalie dilemma has emerged for the Minnesota Wild, and it’s one that coach John Hynes is more than happy to have.
The Wild’s Goalie Conundrum: A Tale of Two Talents
In a stunning turn of events, backup goalie Jesper Wallstedt has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, recording back-to-back shutouts against formidable opponents. This unprecedented feat in Wild history has left fans and experts alike buzzing with excitement and speculation.
Wallstedt’s performance against the high-octane Anaheim Ducks was nothing short of exceptional. He made a remarkable 28 saves, extending his save streak to an impressive 71 and his shutout streak to a career-high 141 minutes and 9 seconds. With a 2.10 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage, Wallstedt has proven his worth in all six of his starts, leading the Wild to a solid 4-0-2 record.
But here’s where it gets controversial… Wallstedt’s success raises questions about the team’s No. 1 goalie, Filip Gustavsson. Despite his 4-7-2 record this season, Gustavsson’s 3.09 goals-against average and .896 save percentage pale in comparison to Wallstedt’s stellar numbers.
Hynes acknowledges the team’s strong goaltending tandem, stating, “You need strong goaltending to win, and we obviously have a good tandem.” But the question remains: will Wallstedt’s impressive streak challenge Gustavsson’s position as the team’s top goalie?
And this is the part most people miss… Wallstedt’s journey to this point has been anything but easy. Last season, he faced challenges in Iowa, dealing with salary-cap issues and injuries. But now, playing behind NHL-quality players, he’s found his groove.
“It’s a big difference from last year,” Wallstedt said. “It’s so much more fun going to work now. It’s not just me; it’s about this team too.”
Wallstedt’s confidence and skill were on full display against the Ducks. He read the pucks with precision and handled odd-man rushes with ease. With a third career shutout within reach, Wallstedt’s determination was evident as he threw himself into every save, including a crucial stop with just 31 seconds left in the game.
But it’s not just Wallstedt’s on-ice performance that has impressed. Off the ice, he committed himself during the offseason, arriving at camp in better shape and with a renewed mindset. Hynes praised Wallstedt’s growth, saying, “He took the lessons from last season and committed himself this summer.”
However, the Wild’s special teams performance against the Ducks was a mixed bag. While their power play has been one of the league’s best this season, they went 0-for-7 against Anaheim, a team with a 25th-ranked penalty kill.
Despite this setback, the Wild’s penalty kill stepped up, extinguishing 17 of the opponent’s past 18 power plays. The team’s faceoff win rate of 33 out of 57 also contributed to their success.
In other news, rookie Danila Yurov, a solid KHL scorer, was promoted to the third line due to Marco Rossi’s lower-body injury. Yurov’s promotion highlights the Wild’s commitment to developing young talent and filling the roles left by injured players.
As the Wild navigate these tough goalie decisions, the future looks bright. With Wallstedt’s impressive performance and the team’s overall improvement, they’re poised for success. But the question remains: will Wallstedt’s streak continue, and will it be enough to challenge Gustavsson’s position? Only time will tell.
What do you think? Should the Wild stick with their established No. 1 goalie, or is Wallstedt’s hot streak too good to ignore? Share your thoughts in the comments!