Gutsy Performance by Gustavsson Leads Wild to Victory
In a thrilling showdown against the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche, Filip Gustavsson stood tall for the Minnesota Wild, delivering a remarkable 44-save performance that was as gritty as it was impressive. Despite battling an illness late in the game, Gustavsson's resilience was the backbone of the Wild's 5-2 victory.
Quinn Hughes summed it up best: “He’s a beast. Unbelievable.” Coach John Hynes echoed the sentiment, calling it a “real gutty performance.”
Gustavsson's Olympic stint with Team Sweden might not have gone as planned, but this game showcased why he’s the Wild’s top choice in goal. His ability to withstand the Avalanche’s relentless pressure, especially during stretches where they fired nine of the first 10 shots and 11 of the first 13 in the third period, was crucial. Coach Hynes noted that Gustavsson's illness only kicked in during the third period, yet he remained a calming presence.
Joel Eriksson Ek, who netted two power-play goals, praised Gustavsson's ability to keep the team composed. “He made some saves that kept us calm and we could start building,” Eriksson Ek said.
The Wild's offensive efforts were bolstered by Matt Boldy’s two empty-net goals, including a shorthanded one, and a crucial goal from Mats Zuccarello. This win marks the Wild’s sixth straight victory, extending their impressive 9-1-1 run, which includes games before the Olympic break. They’re now five points behind Colorado for the top spot in the Central Division, though the Avalanche hold two games in hand.
Boldy emphasized the importance of team growth over merely catching up in the standings. “The better we can grow our game and keep improving, that stuff just happens,” he said. “The big thing is staying together as a team.”
Turning Point: Power Play Precision
The game was evenly matched, but the Wild capitalized on Colorado’s penalties, gaining an edge with a pivotal 5-on-3 advantage late in the second period. Though initially set for 1:12, a delay of game penalty on Brent Burns extended it to a 1:54 two-man advantage. Eriksson Ek capitalized on the 5-on-4, with his shot deflecting off Mackenzie Blackwood’s pad to give the Wild a 2-1 lead.
“You need to score on that. Glad we got one there,” Hughes remarked, acknowledging the importance of converting such opportunities.
Coach Hynes used a timeout to both rest his top unit and reinforce strategic setups, a move that paid off. Boldy noted, “We got a lot to the net, that was the biggest thing, we had a lot of volume.”
The Hughes Impact
Quinn Hughes continued his stellar play, extending his assist streak to 11 games, tying an impressive record for a defenseman in their first season with a franchise. His assist on Eriksson Ek’s second power play goal was a testament to his playmaking prowess.
Despite hitting a “wall” midway through the game, Hughes logged a team-high 26:12 and contributed four shots. “I was just excited to play and get back here,” Hughes said, highlighting his enthusiasm and commitment.
Since joining the Wild in December, Hughes has been instrumental, with the team leading the league in goals and points during that span. Boldy praised Hughes’ relentless drive: “He wants the puck so much, he wants to make plays. It’s impressive how much he yells for the puck, I love it.”
With performances like these, the Wild are not just competing-they’re making a statement.