Wallstedt’s Amusing Jersey Mishap
In a recent game against the Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild goalie Jesper Wallstedt noticed something strange: his last name on the back of his jersey was incorrectly spelled “W-a-l-l-s-t-e-a-d.” Wallstedt, amused by the error, suggested it might be a prank rather than an honest mistake.
“It seemed like an April Fool’s joke, but a bit late,”
he said. He suspects that fellow goaltender Filip Gustavsson might have orchestrated the playful trick.
Legacy of Pranks in the Locker Room
Wallstedt’s teammates may be continuing the legacy of Marc-Andre Fleury, who retired last season but remains with the organization in a practice role. Known for his pranks, Fleury’s influence seems to linger in the locker room, even as Gustavsson and Wallstedt take on the responsibility in goal.
“I didn’t think Flower could be involved,”
Wallstedt reflected, indicating his belief that the team united in the jest.
“But I’d rather take that than something like having my car on cinder blocks. A misspelled name is fine with me.”
Impressive Performance and Rookie Season
Fortunately, Wallstedt’s name was corrected for the second period of the Ducks match, during which he made an impressive 34 saves, contributing to a 3-2 victory. This game marked a significant milestone for Wallstedt, who concluded his rookie season with an impressive record of 18 wins, 9 losses, and 6 overtime losses, alongside a remarkable save percentage of .915, the second-highest league-wide.
Playoff Preparations
Following a strong start to his career, where he achieved an 8-0-2 record with four shutouts, Wallstedt has become a reliable figure for the Wild as they gear up for the playoffs. With the NHL postseason looming, the Wild face a decision regarding their goaltending strategy. While Gustavsson has a wealth of experience, his performance has recently been inconsistent, posting a 2-4 record in his last six games with 25 goals allowed. Wallstedt’s steady play may have earned him a spot in the rotation against the Dallas Stars in the first round.
Wallstedt’s Confidence and Motivation
“I feel like I’ve been playing well lately, especially after the Olympics,”
Wallstedt stated. He expressed disappointment about not playing during the Olympics and suggested that this fueled his motivation for subsequent games.
“I’ve been in a good spot and helping my team win.”
As the postseason approaches, Wallstedt’s confidence and recent success could prove vital for the Wild’s playoff ambitions.
