On Saturday night, the Minnesota Wild lost 2-1 in overtime to the Vegas Golden Knights, which seems to me to be the proverbial final nail in the coffin of a tough season. After this game, the Wild have a 7.6 percent chance of making the postseason, according to NHL.com. It's not impossible, but it's doubtful.
Still, Minnesota's season gave fans plenty of reasons to be proud and excited for the future.
Brock Faber is making the Kevin Fiala trade look like a bargain. Faber is a young, dependable defenseman who has the trust of Cale Makar to play on both ends of the rink. He showed offensive ability that you wouldn't expect from a rookie, especially on the power play. In addition to Kirill Kaprizov's advancement, he was essentially trying to drag the Wild into the playoffs.
“Krill the Thrill” not only amazed fans with deadly shots and amazing movements that have become almost routine. He's shown real leadership this team desperately needs since acquiring Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. He's become Minnesota's true superstar and the closest thing to the face of the franchise since Marian Gaborik.
Kirill is essential to the franchise's future, primarily to the development of Minnesota's potential overtime finish line. Last week, one reader called it the Russinov line, with Marat Khusudinov in the center, Danilia Yurov on the right, Vladislav Fastov on the left, and Kaprizov, the pilot of this deadly Russian MiG.
These are two of the most important developments this season, but I am also observing and analyzing another important player who is essential to the future success of this club: Jesper Wallstedt. Walstedt, 22, is 6-foot-3 and weighs 214 pounds. The Swede was selected by the Wild with the 20th pick in the 2021 draft. He had another great year in Des Moines.
Analyzing the future Wild netminder was an honor as I held the same position in high school and had the utmost respect for everyone who takes on the role. Wallstedt played in 42 games this season, posting a 21-18-3 record with two shutouts, a 2.65 points per game average and a .912 save percentage. He's also played on terrible teams. Zane McIntyre is Iowa's other main netminder, Hunter Jones has played in one game and Peyton Jones has played in two, and Iowa is 3-16-3 without Jesper in goal. It is.
Wallstedt is a big-bodied young man who has the potential to develop into a top-10 goaltender. He has confidence at the net and doesn't get upset when opposing shooters take him down. He went back online and told me some things about what was going on in his head. First, he is confident in his speed. The speed of the game allows for greater coordination between each level.
The goaltender coming out of the crease lowers the angle of the puck carrier and tries to put pressure on the shooter while appearing to cover most of the net. Wallstedt will be as effective as he has been the past two seasons due to his big size and explosive speed. He has confidence as a player who is happy with his progress.
Wallstedt plays the position with understanding and trust in his body and abilities. That is why opponents are unlikely to defeat him at the first opportunity. He tracks and reads plays like he's played over 80 games at this level. Since joining Iowa, Wohlstedt has posted a 38-33-3 shutout record with a 2.67 goals-against average and .908 save percentage (despite being on an absolutely awful team).
People have asked me why the Wild didn't call up Wallstedt this season. The Wild could have made the playoffs if he was in net. Marc-Andre Fleury has a 49-30 record, 2.84 GAA, and .905 save% since Minnesota acquired him, and he already has multiple Stanley Cups to his name. .
But it's easier to destroy a player's confidence faster than it can be built up. Remember, the physical side of being an athlete at this level is easier. However, most players lack the mental aspect. Many players reach the highest level of their career with will, dedication, and support. At some point, performing while maintaining a high level of health and well-being becomes more of a mental game.
There's a difference between being fast and knowing you're fast. It's hard to be a goaltender. We can be the most important variable in a match or series and be the deciding factor in the outcome. If you can't score goals, it's difficult to win the game. Jesper has that ability.
Fleury's future is uncertain, but I hope he will continue to coach Wallstedt. If he can coach and get 20-30% of the starts next season, he could be very helpful in making the jump to the NHL next season. Fans should be excited about Wallstedt and his future with the organization because he is a winner. How can we be so sure? He hasn't lost since he was 14 years old. That year he still posted a 2.33 GAA and a .925 Save%.
Do you think you can write a story like this? Hockey Wilderness wants you to grow your voice and find your audience. That's what we pay for. Just fill out this form.
