Jesper Wallstedt: A Rising Star in Minnesota
In St. Paul, Minnesota, rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild has made a name for himself not just with his impressive performance on the ice, but also with his distinctive way of celebrating victories. Despite the opinions of some outside commentators, Wallstedt has no intentions of altering his postgame celebration, which is like none other in the league.
“There’s no reason to change, I don’t think,” he remarked after a thrilling 3-2 shootout victory against the Colorado Avalanche that ended their ten-game winning streak. “I enjoy it just as much as the fans do, so it’s here to stay.”
Impressive Stats and Performance
Wallstedt, just 23 years old, has quickly established himself as a standout player this season, boasting a remarkable goals-against average of 1.93, a save percentage of .938, and three shutouts, leading the NHL in all three categories. Holding a record of 7-0-2, he remains undefeated in regulation, with an astonishing run of six consecutive wins and a minuscule 1.14 goals-against average during that stretch.
In his latest matchup, he made 39 saves, including three during overtime, to pave the way for the shootout where he finished with a 2-for-3 save rate, only allowing a goal to Martin Necas.
Facing the Best
Wallstedt’s skills were put to the test when he faced elite players like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar during the shootout, both leaders in scoring. After stopping MacKinnon’s attempt, Wallstedt successfully thwarted Makar’s effort, securing the win and snapping Colorado’s impressive winning streak. Reflecting on the high-pressure situation, he stated,
“It’s a challenge competing against the best players. I felt ready for all three attempts, although I lost my edge on the first one.”
Signature Celebration
This season, he has proven his prowess in shootouts, with three wins under his belt and a record of just one goal allowed out of ten shots faced. He has a signature celebration: after each shootout victory, he mimics shooting an arrow, a gesture that has become his trademark. When asked about the origin of this celebration, he confessed,
“I’m not really sure; I might have seen it somewhere when I was younger and thought it looked cool. I don’t think many other goalies do it, so maybe it’s just become my thing.”
Team Support and Legacy
Not everyone has felt positively about his celebration, with jabs coming from commentators on 92.5 FM Denver’s Altitude Sports Radio who remarked on the tone of his antics post-save. However, Wallstedt’s confidence in his unique flair remains unshaken, as he joins a long legacy of Minnesota players who have handed the Avalanche defeats, despite the long history of playoff heartbreak between the two franchises.
Moreover, Wallstedt’s outstanding performances have led to the creation of a team t-shirt featuring his nickname, “The Wall of St. Paul,” which teammates proudly donned before the game. While initially taken aback by the unexpected homage, Wallstedt found the gesture flattering. Head coach John Hynes even expressed interest in procuring one for himself, indicating the support from the whole team.
