Wild Goalie Jesper Wallstedt Credits Offseason Training for Overtime Heroics
ST. PAUL, MN – Jesper WallstedtS strong summer training regimen proved pivotal in the Minnesota Wild’s 4-3 shootout victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Monday, according to both the goaltender and head coach John Hynes. Wallstedt delivered a crucial save on Brandt Clarke during a Kings power play in overtime, helping secure the win.
Wallstedt attributed his ability to perform under pressure, even while fatigued, to the work he put in during the offseason. “The work I’ve done in the summer, I felt it was worth it. I felt I could keep on pushing,” he said.
The 21-year-old netminder described the intense workouts as a natural part of his maturation. ”It was part of him growing up,” the article stated.
Coach Hynes has observed a clear improvement in Wallstedt since the start of camp, noting the payoff from his summer training. “It’s nice to see that stick-to-itiveness by him to understand and let some things go that maybe didn’t go our way,” Hynes said. “but then he’s there when you now have to win the game. I thought he was clutch in those moments.”
The Wild plan to utilize both Wallstedt and fellow Swedish goaltender Filip Gustavsson this season. While Gustavsson is currently considered the No. 1 goalie and could see around 58 games – matching his career high from last season – Wallstedt is projected to play a minimum of 24-25 games, possibly reaching 30 depending on his performance.
“depending on how ‘Wally’ is progressing. If he hits it out of the park (Monday), we’ll be more willing to put him in,” said Wild assistant coach Pascal Chabot.
wallstedt also expressed a strong rapport with Gustavsson, noting their shared interests, including tee times and video games, and the positive relationship between their partners. Despite their different personalities – Wallstedt being more extroverted and Gustavsson more introverted - they ofen communicate in Swedish, sometimes to the amusement of their teammates.
