Wild coach John Hynes announced the goaltender swap several hours before puck drop. Gustavsson has not played since allowing five goals on April 13 at St. Louis. During the regular season he went 28–15–6 with a 2.69 goals-against average.
Walstad scored 14 goals in six games during the first-round series win over Dallas. He struggled in Game 1 against the high-scoring Avalanche, allowing eight goals on 42 shots. Volstad and Gustavsson split time throughout the season.
“We have confidence in both of our goalies. They’re both great,” Hines said. “They both played really good hockey. We believe either one of them can win us games. It’s a good opportunity to get Gus in net. He’s hungry to get inside.”
Gustavsson has played in 11 postseason games for the Wild, posting a 4-6 mark with a 2.54 goals-against average and .917 save percentage. The 27-year-old goalkeeper waited his turn and was “very supportive” of the decision to go with Volstad, Hines said.
Hines said, “But the thing I liked about it was that he didn’t take it for granted.” “He wants to play. He wants to get in the net. He’s been working for it. He’s making sure he’s ready to do that.”
“It may have been a little negative reaction, but he had to say, ‘I understand the decision.’ As it progressed, he wanted to fall into the trap. But his attitude towards the team and towards Wally was top notch.”
The Wild are without forward Joel Eriksson and defenseman Jonas Brodin due to a lower-body injury. Hines said there could be more lineup changes but they would be game-time decisions based on health.
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