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Wild’s Filip Gustavsson gets real on defense’s performance in Penguins win
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- Wild’s Filip Gustavsson gets real on defense’s performance in Penguins win
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The post Wild's Filip Gustavsson gets real on defense's performance in Penguins win appeared first on ClutchPoints .
The Minnesota Wild had some rough games early in the 2025-26 season. However, they have recently found their stride in a big way. The Wild took down Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday night. And goaltender Filip Gustavsson played a major role in picking up this victory.
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Gustavsson wasn't challenged a ton by Pittsburgh in this contest. But he made 19 saves and pitched a shutout against the Penguins. Matt Boldy scored two goals as part of his three-point night to power Minnesota to a 5-0 win. It was an incredible effort all around.
Minnesota's defense did a lot to ensure Gustavsson wasn't challenged too much . And the star netminder acknowledged that effort with a rather relaxed comment following the win over the Penguins.
"I was standing there, enjoying my night," the Wild goalie said, via NHL.com. "Just had a few saves here and there. They blocked the shots and played very, very solidly in front of me."
Gustavsson has been a rather solid option in goal for Minnesota over the last few years. The 27-year-old has played to a .902 save percentage in 15 games this year. He has 0.84 Goals Saved Above Average and 4.57 Goals Saved Above Expected this year, according to Evolving Hockey.
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The Wild have won eight of their last 10 games to re-establish themselves in the Western Conference playoff picture. They are now 11-7-4 on the young season, sitting third in the Central Division. They have pulled themselves out of a three-way tie for third, leaving behind the Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets .
Minnesota is playing good hockey as the second month of the season draws to a close. The Wild will need to continue their run of form if they want to make noise in a closely-contested Central Division. They will go for their fifth straight win on Sunday night against the Jets.
