Wild vs Islanders: Starting Goaltending Matchup
The Minnesota Wild (5-7-3) visit the New York Islanders (6-5-2) tonight, featuring a goaltending duel between rookie Jesper Wallstedt and veteran David Rittich.
Jesper Wallstedt’s Starting Role
After five consecutive starts and a loss to Carolina, Filip Gustavsson will have the night off. Jesper Wallstedt, 23, is expected to start for Minnesota. This season, he holds a 1-0-2 record with a 3.38 goals-against average (GAA) and a .863 save percentage across ten games.
In his career, Wallstedt has gone 3-3-2 with a 3.34 GAA and a .863 save percentage. He has yet to face the Islanders at the NHL level.
David Rittich’s Record and Experience
The Islanders begin a back-to-back set tonight. Head coach Patrick Roy confirmed that David Rittich will start in goal, with Ilya Sorokin slated for Saturday’s game.
Rittich, 33, carries a 3-1-0 record this season in four appearances, posting a 3.01 GAA and a .902 save percentage.
“Rittich has had consistent success against the Wild in his career,”
He holds a 5-0-1 record versus Minnesota, with a 2.11 GAA, a .935 save percentage, and one shutout in six career games.
Outlook
Both goalies approach tonight’s game with contrasting experience levels. Wallstedt aims to solidify his place as Minnesota’s future goaltender, while Rittich looks to maintain his strong history against the Wild.
Author’s Summary
A youthful Wallstedt meets veteran Rittich in a matchup defining experience versus promise, as both teams seek momentum early in the season.