Minnesota Wild vs. San Jose Sharks: Game Preview
The Minnesota Wild are gearing up for their next challenge as they hit the road again today to take on the San Jose Sharks. This matchup is part of a demanding seven-game road trip for the Wild, who currently hold a record of 24 wins, 10 losses, and 6 overtime losses. On the other side, the Sharks sit at 19 wins, 17 losses, and 3 overtime losses.
Recent Encounters
So far this season, the Wild have found themselves on the losing end in both of their encounters against San Jose, with overtime losses of 6-5 and 2-1 occurring at their home ice. Despite these setbacks, Minnesota has managed to maintain a positive trend, collecting points in their last nine games against the Sharks, holding a remarkable record of 7 wins, 0 losses, and 2 overtime losses in that span.
Goaltending Situation
As the game approaches, Wild head coach John Hynes has yet to disclose which goaltender will take the ice for this afternoon’s 3:00 PM matchup. Both of the Wild’s goalies have faced the Sharks in the current season. Jesper Wallstedt posted a six-goal performance in his defeat, while Filip Gustavsson allowed two goals in his loss against San Jose.
Historically, Wallstedt holds a 1-0-1 record against the Sharks, with a goals-against average of 3.89 and a .852 save percentage across two starts. Conversely, Gustavsson has a 2-1-2 career slate versus the Sharks, showcasing a 2.36 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage across five starts.
While the starting goalie remains uncertain before warmups, there is speculation that Minnesota’s recent rotation may indicate that Wallstedt could be given the nod today.
Player Highlights
Furthermore, forward Yakov Trenin has made headlines this season, leading the NHL with 197 hits, a franchise-best through the first 40 games of the season, and the fourth-highest total in the league since 2006-07. In goal, Gustavsson has been in impressive form, going 6-0-1 in his last seven starts, boasting a stellar 1.71 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage, along with a shutout. Wallstedt’s road performance this season features a record of 5-1-1, a 1.87 goals-against average, and two shutouts. Notably, he leads the league with a .931 save percentage and four shutouts while placing fourth in goals-against average at 2.16.
Current Standings
As it stands, the Wild are positioned third in the NHL standings, amassing 54 points, which ties for the franchise’s third-highest point total through the initial 40 games of a season. Since November 1, Minnesota has been formidable, with a record of 21-4-3, marking the second-best win count and points total in the league during that period.
Sharks’ Recent Performance
On the other bench, the Sharks have maintained a record of 6 wins and 4 losses in their previous ten games and are currently on a winning streak of two games. Players to watch include Colin Graf, who recently ended Brock Faber’s collegiate championship run in overtime and has scored five goals in his last five outings. Additionally, Macklin Celebrini, freshly named to Team Canada’s Olympic roster, has netted nine points in his last five games, including one goal and four assists against the Wild this season, positioning him third in the NHL with 60 points in 39 games.
Stay tuned for updates and analysis on this exciting matchup as the Minnesota Wild look to turn around their fortunes against the Sharks today.
