Wild vs Islanders: Starting Goaltending Matchup
The Minnesota Wild (5-7-3) travel tonight to face the New York Islanders (6-5-2). The projected goaltending matchup features rookie Jesper Wallstedt for the Wild and veteran David Rittich for the Islanders.
Wild Goaltending Outlook
After five consecutive starts, including yesterday’s loss to Carolina, Filip Gustavsson will rest tonight. Jesper Wallstedt, 23, is expected to start in goal. This season, he holds a 1-0-2 record with a 3.38 goals-against average and a .863 save percentage over ten games.
Wallstedt has never faced the Islanders before. In his NHL career, he stands at 3-3-2 with a 3.34 goals-against average and a .863 save percentage.
Islanders Goaltending Plan
The Islanders begin a back-to-back set tonight. Head coach Patrick Roy confirmed for the media that David Rittich will start against the Wild, while Ilya Sorokin will start on Saturday.
Rittich, 33, has appeared in four games this season, holding a 3-1-0 record with a 3.01 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage. Although he did not face Minnesota last season, his career record against the Wild is impressive.
Rittich is 5-0-1 lifetime against the Wild, with a 2.11 goals-against average, a .935 save percentage, and one shutout in six career starts.
Game Context
With both teams managing goaltender workloads, tonight’s contest will test Wallstedt’s readiness against an experienced opponent and offer Rittich a chance to extend his strong run versus Minnesota.
Author Summary
Rookie Wallstedt faces seasoned Rittich as the Wild visit the Islanders, in a matchup highlighting contrasting experience levels in goal.
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