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Wild Turn to Filip Gustavsson After Avalanche Game 1 Loss | Zach Benson: The NHL's Ultimate Playoff Pest | NHL Predictions and Prop Bets: Hurricanes vs. Flyers Game 3 | Brind'Amour vs. Tocchet: Hurricanes and Flyers Face Off in Game 3 | Sabres' Carrick Returns to Practice; Ruff Takes Jab at Bruins | Cale Makar vs. Quinn Hughes: Stanley Cup Playoff Showdown | Sports Roundup: College Baseball, Champions League, and NBA Playoffs - May 5, 2026 | Maple Leafs Introduce New Management Team: Sundin and Chayka | Wild Eliminate Stars; Hughes Shines in Series-Clinching Win | Wild Turn to Filip Gustavsson After Avalanche Game 1 Loss | Zach Benson: The NHL's Ultimate Playoff Pest | NHL Predictions and Prop Bets: Hurricanes vs. Flyers Game 3 | Brind'Amour vs. Tocchet: Hurricanes and Flyers Face Off in Game 3 | Sabres' Carrick Returns to Practice; Ruff Takes Jab at Bruins | Cale Makar vs. Quinn Hughes: Stanley Cup Playoff Showdown | Sports Roundup: College Baseball, Champions League, and NBA Playoffs - May 5, 2026 | Maple Leafs Introduce New Management Team: Sundin and Chayka | Wild Eliminate Stars; Hughes Shines in Series-Clinching Win

NHL / Playoffs

Wild Turn to Filip Gustavsson After Avalanche Game 1 Loss

The Minnesota Wild are switching up their goaltending strategy for Game 2 against the Colorado Avalanche, replacing Jesper Wallstedt with Filip Gustavsson after a high-scoring Game 1 loss.

Wild tab Gustavsson as goalie for Game 2 against Avalanche
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Wild Turn to Filip Gustavsson After Avalanche Game 1 Loss Image via ESPN

Key Insights

  • Filip Gustavsson will start Game 2 after Jesper Wallstedt allowed eight goals in Game 1.
  • Coach John Hynes expressed confidence in both goalies, citing Gustavsson's hunger to play.
  • Gustavsson last played on April 13 and had a regular-season record of 28-15-6 with a 2.69 goals-against average.
  • Wallstedt had started every playoff game prior to this switch, including the first round series against the Dallas Stars, but struggled in Game 1 against Colorado, allowing 8 goals on 42 shots.
  • The Wild are still missing key players Joel Eriksson Ek and Jonas Brodin due to lower-body injuries.

In-Depth Analysis

After a 9-6 defeat in Game 1, the Minnesota Wild are looking to change the momentum by starting Filip Gustavsson in Game 2 against the Colorado Avalanche. Gustavsson, who served as the Wild's primary goalie for most of the regular season, will be making his first start since April 13. Coach John Hynes emphasized that Gustavsson has remained prepared and eager despite not playing recently.

Wallstedt's recent performance, particularly in Game 1 where he allowed eight goals, prompted the change. While Wallstedt demonstrated strong play earlier in the playoffs, the coaching staff believes Gustavsson's experience and hunger will be beneficial.

On the Avalanche side, coach Jared Bednar has not confirmed whether Scott Wedgewood or Mackenzie Blackwood will start in goal. Additionally, the status of defenseman Josh Manson remains uncertain. The Avalanche have also brought in goaltending prospect Ilya Nabokov from Russia, though his participation in the playoffs is unlikely.

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FAQ

Why did the Wild switch goalies?

Jesper Wallstedt allowed eight goals in Game 1, leading to the decision to give Filip Gustavsson a chance.

When did Gustavsson last play?

Gustavsson's last start was on April 13 against St. Louis.

Are there any other lineup changes for the Wild?

Joel Eriksson Ek and Jonas Brodin remain out with injuries, and further lineup adjustments are possible.

Takeaways

  • The Wild are hoping a goaltending change can shift the series momentum after a Game 1 loss.
  • Gustavsson has playoff experience and is eager to return to the net.
  • The Avalanche's goalie situation is also uncertain, adding another layer of intrigue to Game 2.

Discussion

Do you think Gustavsson will make a difference in Game 2? Let us know! Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

Sources

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