Wild vs Islanders: Starting Goaltending Matchup
The Minnesota Wild (5-7-3) visit the New York Islanders (6-5-2) tonight with a key goaltending matchup on deck. Rookie Jesper Wallstedt is expected to start for the Wild after Filip Gustavsson rested following five consecutive starts and Saturday's loss to Carolina.
Jesper Wallstedt's Profile
- Record this season: 1-0-2
- Goals-against average (GAA): 3.38
- Save percentage (SV%): .863
- Played 10 games this season
- No previous games against the Islanders
- Career NHL record: 3-3-2
- Career GAA: 3.34, SV%: .863
- Age: 23
Islanders’ Goaltending
Head coach Patrick Roy confirmed David Rittich as the starter tonight for the Islanders, who are playing the first of a back-to-back series. Ilya Sorokin will start on Saturday.
- David Rittich’s current season record: 3-1-0
- GAA: 3.01
- SV%: .902
- Has not played against the Wild in the past season with the Islanders
David Rittich’s Career Against the Wild
"Rittich has had a lot of success against the Wild in his career. He is 5-0-1 with a 2.11 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage. He has one shutout as well in six career starts."
At 33 years old, Rittich brings strong experience and a stellar career record facing the Wild into tonight's game.
Summary
Rookie Wallstedt will start for the Wild as veteran Rittich, who has a strong history against Minnesota, takes the net for the Islanders in this critical matchup.
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Author’s summary: Tonight’s game features a promising start for rookie Wallstedt against the Islanders’ veteran goalie Rittich, whose impressive career record against the Wild sets the stage for an intense matchup.