Minnesota Wild’s Goaltending Tandem Is Turning Heads - and Winning Games
Something’s brewing in Minnesota, and it’s happening between the pipes.
The Wild have quietly - or maybe not so quietly anymore - built one of the most formidable goaltending tandems in the NHL. Rookie Jesper Wallstedt is showing exactly why the organization was so high on him, and Filip Gustavsson continues to provide steady, reliable play. Together, they’ve become the kind of duo that can steal games, stabilize rough stretches, and give the Wild a real shot every single night.
In fact, the duo has been so effective that they’ve climbed all the way to No. 2 in the latest NHL goaltending tandem rankings, trailing only the New York Rangers’ elite pairing of Igor Shesterkin and a resurgent Jonathan Quick. That’s elite company - and a serious nod to how far Minnesota’s netminding has come.
Jesper Wallstedt: The Rookie Who’s Ready
Wallstedt has been the real revelation here. He’s not just holding his own - he’s thriving.
The poise, the reads, the calm under pressure - it’s all there. You can see the confidence growing with every start, and the Wild are feeding off it.
He’s showing flashes of the kind of franchise-caliber goalie teams dream of developing.
But don’t overlook what Gustavsson brings to the table. He’s been a stabilizing force, stepping in when needed and keeping the Wild in games. It’s that balance - the youth and upside of Wallstedt paired with Gustavsson’s experience and consistency - that’s made this tandem so dangerous.
Charlie Stramel’s Breakout Season
Speaking of breakouts, let’s talk about Charlie Stramel. When the Wild selected him late in the first round a couple of years ago, there were eyebrows raised. A big-bodied center with upside, sure, but there were questions about whether the pick was a reach.
Now? Stramel is making that pick look like a steal.
He’s turned into one of the top centers in college hockey, anchoring the top-ranked Michigan State squad. The physical tools were always there, but now the production is catching up.
He’s playing with confidence, commanding the ice, and showing why the Wild took the swing on him. It’s early, but the signs are promising - and then some.
Kaprizov Keeps Haunting a Familiar Foe
Kirill Kaprizov continues to do what stars do - and that includes tormenting the same opponent over and over again. He’s found a particular rhythm against one team, and it’s becoming a bit of a personal highlight reel.
For the Wild, it’s a bonus when your top guy consistently shows up big in those matchups. For the opposing team?
Well, it’s becoming a problem they haven’t solved.
Consistency Is the Wild’s Next Step
As 2025 winds down, the Wild are chasing one thing: consistency. The talent is there, the goaltending is clicking, and the roster has pieces that can compete with anyone.
But it doesn’t matter if you’re playing a top contender or a bottom-feeder - you have to bring the same energy every night. That’s the next step for this group.
If they can lock that in, the Wild won’t just be a team with a great goalie tandem. They’ll be a serious threat come spring.
Around the League: Dillon’s Scary Moment, Norris Returns Strong
Elsewhere in the NHL, Monday night’s clash between the Devils and Blue Jackets turned chaotic fast. Fights broke out, tempers flared, and the scariest moment came when defenseman Brendan Dillon was knocked unconscious during a scrap.
It was a sobering reminder of the physical toll this game can take. Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe was visibly upset postgame, defending his player and calling the incident unjust.
In brighter news, Josh Norris gave hockey fans something to cheer for. The Sabres centerman, who’s battled injuries throughout his career, returned to the lineup and immediately made an impact, scoring twice against the Jets. It’s the kind of comeback story everyone in the league can get behind.
And then there’s Kyle Palmieri, who delivered what might be the most quintessential “hockey play” of the season - a moment that probably won’t show up in the stat sheet but had fans and teammates buzzing.
The Wild are finding their identity, and it starts in net. With Wallstedt stepping into the spotlight and Gustavsson backing him up with veteran steadiness, Minnesota’s goaltending is no longer just a strength - it’s a weapon. Add in a breakout from Stramel, the consistent brilliance of Kaprizov, and a push for consistency, and you’ve got a team worth watching as the calendar flips to 2026.