Minnesota Wild’s Remarkable Run
In recent weeks, the Minnesota Wild have put together a remarkable run, securing a standing of 8 wins, 7 losses, and 4 overtime losses, with a current 5-1-1 record over their last seven games. As of November 1, they are tied for the highest points tally in the NHL, largely thanks to impressive performances from their goaltenders.
Outstanding Goaltending
Jesper Wallstedt has been particularly outstanding, maintaining a perfect 3-0-0 record during this stretch, while Filip Gustavsson has contributed a solid 2-1-1 record.
Minnesota head coach John Hynes emphasized the significance of having two competitive goalies, stating, “You need strong goaltending to win and we obviously have a good tandem. Both guys are competing for the net, and that competition drives success.”
Wallstedt made headlines this past Saturday by shutting out the Anaheim Ducks, stopping all 28 shots he faced. This victory marked his second consecutive shutout, placing him at the forefront of the league in this category.
Wallstedt’s Evolution
Wallstedt’s recent performances showcase his skillset, sporting a remarkable 0.67 goals-against average and a .978 save percentage across his last three outings. Reflecting on his journey, Hynes remarked on Wallstedt’s evolution, saying, “It was a tough season for him for numerous reasons, but it made him stronger. He learned from his challenges and committed himself to improvement this summer. Minor adjustments in his practice habits and approach have contributed significantly to his current success. Sometimes young players go through struggles, but those who learn from them can emerge even better.”
The journey for Wallstedt has not been easy. During the previous season in the American Hockey League (AHL), he finished with a 9-14-5 record and a disappointing 3.59 goals-against average. In his brief tenure in the NHL last year, he recorded two losses, with similarly underwhelming statistics. Critics began to doubt his potential as the “goaltender of the future” for Minnesota. However, the organization chose to stand by Wallstedt, rewarding him with a two-year contract extension worth $2.2 million despite his limited NHL appearances.
Record-Breaking Performance
Now, Wallstedt’s impressive start to the current season is a source of redemption, establishing a record for being the first rookie in franchise history with back-to-back shutouts, surpassing the previous mark held by Darcy Kuemper. With his recent win against Anaheim bringing his overall record to 4-0-2, he possesses a respectable 2.10 goals-against average and .924 save percentage across six games.
Gustavsson, the 27-year-old goaltender, may not have stellar season statistics but has recently shown significant improvement, achieving a 2-1-1 record and a 2.46 goals-against average in the last seven games. The Wild have excelled defensively, ranking second in goals-against average at 1.69 and third in save percentage at .939 since the beginning of November.
Wallstedt highlighted the team effort in maintaining strong defensive stats: “Keeping goals low is a team effort. If we can limit scoring chances, block shots, and maintain good defensive coverage, my record will reflect that success. At the end of the day, it’s a collective achievement.”
Personal Growth and Future Prospects
Reflecting on his personal growth compared to last year, Wallstedt shared, “This year feels very different. I’m enjoying my time at work much more than I was a year ago. My whole approach to the game has changed, and I owe a lot of that to the team.”
As he prepared for this season, Wallstedt dedicated himself to improving his fitness and mental resilience, which has evidently paid off, according to Coach Hynes. “He’s more physically fit and mentally tougher than last year, and his practice habits have evolved positively. He’s ready, whether he plays many consecutive games or has to wait between starts.”
The Wild expressed confidence in both goalies, recently signing Gustavsson to a five-year contract extension worth $34 million. As Wallstedt continues to solidify his role as a dominant goalie, questions arise about a potential goaltending controversy, a scenario Hynes welcomes, stating, “I’ll take that any day of the week.”
