Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
We aren’t even to the halfway point and it’s been a tale of two seasons for the Minnesota Wild. A slow start put them behind the eight ball and things looked bleak early. Since they have turned into an absolute wagon and are winning on a near-nightly basis.
Plenty of things are to credit for the turnaround. Amongst the most notable has been goalie play. Rookie Jesper Wallstedt leads the league in shutouts, and he’s positioning himself nicely for some end-of-season accolades.
Jesper Wallstedt climbing Calder ranks
When it comes to yearly accolades you often think of the high-profile players. In hockey that often lands on goal scoring forwards. However, ESPN’s Greg Whyshynski notes why Minnesota Wild rookie netminder Jesper Wallstedt is worthy of Calder Trophy consideration.
Minnesota’s Wallstedt earned just under 10% of the first-place votes thanks to a startling first 10 games for the Wild, during which he posted an 8-0-2 record, a. 944 save percentage and a 1.74 goals-against average. It’s a limited sample vs. the other two finalists, but “The Wall of St. Paul” is making his mark early.
The last time two goaltenders finished in the top three for the Calder Trophy was in 1964-65, when Detroit’s Roger Crozier won the award and Chicago’s Denis DeJordy was third. It could happen again this season with how Wallstedt and Askarov are rolling. The only other rookie to receive a first-place vote, Askarov has played well (.910 save percentage, 2.96 goals-against average) for the surprising Sharks, ranking fourth in goals saved above expected among goalies who have played at least 10 games.
San Jose Sharks goalie Yaroslav Askarov is well-positioned for rookie of the year consideration as well. If Wallstedt is going to win, he’ll have to chase down both Askarov and the Islanders Matthew Schaefer.
Ten games into his season, Wallstedt has yet to lose a game in regulation. His .944 save percentage leads the league, and he has constantly stood on his head. Having nearly a 50% shutout rate is ridiculous, and the heater is something he could ride for some time.
There were concerns as to how Wallstedt would fare while being elevated into a prominent role. Marc-Andre Fleury is gone though, and the Swede has paired well with the recently-extended Filip Gustavsson. Minnesota has a dynamic duo, and the rookie is more than holding his own.
If Wallstedt wants to win the Calder he’ll need to substantiate this performance throughout the entire season. If he does though, a trip beyond the first round of the playoffs seems likely too.
Mentioned in this article: Jesper Wallstedt
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