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(10-8-26) Wild Vs. Lightning: Goaltending Matchup
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- (10-8-26) Wild Vs. Lightning: Goaltending Matchup
The Minnesota Wild (2-0-1) will turn to Jesper Wallstedt for the fourth consecutive game when they face the Tampa Bay Lightning (2-1-0) on Thursday night at Benchmark International Arena.
Tampa Bay will counter with Dennis Hildeby, who is set to make his first start in a Lightning uniform.
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Wallstedt has been impressive through Minnesota's first three games, posting a 2-0-1 record with a 1.63 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage.
The 23-year-old has allowed just five goals through three starts and has provided stability in Minnesota's crease with Filip Gustavsson sidelined.
Wallstedt has also allowed two regulation goals or fewer in each of his last nine regular-season starts dating back to last season.
Thursday will mark Wallstedt's first career appearance against the Lightning.
On the other side, Hildeby will make his season debut after watching Andrei Vasilevskiy start Tampa Bay's first three games.
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Vasilevskiy has recorded a 2-1-0 record with a 2.05 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage to begin the season.
Hildeby has appeared in 26 career NHL games, all with the Toronto Maple Leafs , posting an 8-10-4 record with a 2.98 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage.
The 25-year-old has made one previous appearance against Minnesota. He stopped all nine shots in relief.
Minnesota has historically enjoyed success against Tampa Bay, owning a 23-11-4 all-time record against the Lightning, including a 7-8-4 record on the road.
The Wild will look to remain unbeaten in regulation while Wallstedt attempts to continue his impressive start to the season.
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