(11-7-25) Wild Vs Islanders: Starting Goaltending Matchup

Wild vs Islanders: Starting Goaltending Matchup

The Minnesota Wild (5-7-3) are visiting the New York Islanders (6-5-2) tonight. Here is the projected goaltending matchup.

Minnesota Wild Goaltender

After five straight starts, Filip Gustavsson will sit out tonight following yesterday’s loss to Carolina. Rookie Jesper Wallstedt is expected to start. Wallstedt is 1-0-2 this season, with a 3.38 goals-against average and a .863 save percentage in ten games.

At 23 years old, Wallstedt has never faced the Islanders before, either this season or in his career. His overall NHL record stands at 3-3-2 with a 3.34 goals-against average and a .863 save percentage.

New York Islanders Goaltender

The Islanders begin a back-to-back set tonight. Head coach Patrick Roy told Isles media that veteran David Rittich will start this game, with Ilya Sorokin taking the net on Saturday.

Rittich, 33, holds a 3-1-0 record in four games this season, posting a 3.01 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage. Although he did not face the Wild last year, Rittich has historically had strong success against Minnesota:

Patrick Roy confirmed: “David Rittich will start tonight. Ilya Sorokin will start on Saturday.”

Summary

This game will see the rookie Wallstedt facing off against the experienced Rittich, known for his impressive record against the Wild.

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Author's summary: Jesper Wallstedt will start for the Wild against David Rittich, a proven goaltender with a strong history against Minnesota, in tonight’s Islanders game.

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The Hockey News The Hockey News — 2025-11-07

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