The Minnesota Wild’s Impressive Run
The Minnesota Wild are currently enjoying an impressive run, registering five consecutive victories and standing tall with a record of 9 wins, 1 loss, and 1 overtime defeat in their last 11 outings. A remarkable statistic during this period is that they have managed to score the initial goal in each of their past 12 games. However, the backbone of their recent success lies in their exceptional goaltending.
Exceptional Goaltending
Since the beginning of November, Jesper Wallstedt has been a revelation. He remains unbeaten in his five starts, showcasing a stellar .970 save percentage and an inconceivable 0.99 goals-against average, including three shutouts. Meanwhile, fellow netminder Filip Gustavsson has also been effective with a record of 4-1-1, featuring a .921 save percentage and a 1.95 goals-against average alongside one shutout. This dual performance has led the Wild to record two consecutive shutouts, with three in their last five and four across their last seven games.
Remarkable Streaks
One notable statistic is that the Wild have not trailed in regulation time for an impressive 480 minutes, a streak that dates back to November 7. This feat marks a notable achievement in the NHL, positioning them as the first team to reach such a milestone since the Vancouver Canucks achieved it earlier this year.
Wallstedt, who is just 23 years old, has participated in eight games this season and has not experienced a loss in regulation, resulting in a remarkable 6-0-2 record. He currently leads the league with a .935 save percentage, a goals-against average of 1.94, and a total of three shutouts, making him a key factor in the Wild’s successful campaign.
“He is playing like a wall right now,”
remarked defenseman Brock Faber, praising Wallstedt’s performance in the most recent game. Faber highlighted Wallstedt’s upward trajectory in confidence as he solidifies his place on the team:
“He worked through adversity, and to witness his current form is incredible. We need him and Gustavsson to keep this momentum going.”
Historic Achievements
Wallstedt’s remarkable eight-game point streak includes shutouts against formidable opponents, such as the Jets, who won the Presidents’ Trophy last season, the current Pacific Division leaders in the Ducks, and a Flames team that is on the edge of playoff contention this season. Impressively, he has allowed only eight goals in his six wins this year, with four victories coming against teams presently fighting for playoff positions.
According to NHL Stats, Wallstedt stands alone as the only goaltender to achieve such favorable statistics — at least eight games played without a regulation loss thus far in the season. His record establishes a franchise benchmark for the longest season-opening point streak, surpassing the previous record set by Niklas Backstrom in 2008-09. Furthermore, Wallstedt becomes only the third rookie goaltender in the last three decades to achieve a point streak of this magnitude, following Mike Condon and Martin Jones.
In a remarkable accomplishment, Wallstedt is now the second rookie goaltender from the Expansion Era ever to achieve three shutouts in his first eight games, a feat previously matched only by Jones in 2013-14.
Team Support and Confidence
Reflecting on his team’s support, Wallstedt expressed gratitude for the effort from his teammates, stating,
“I have a great team in front of me. They block shots and do everything possible to support my role. I feel confident and calm, which is crucial for my performance.”
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