Jesper Wallstedt’s Signature Win Celebration: A Tradition That Endures
The Minnesota Wild’s rookie goaltender, Jesper Wallstedt, has made his postgame win celebration a unique tradition that continues to captivate fans. After a recent victory over the Colorado Avalanche, Wallstedt reaffirmed his commitment to this celebration, stating, “There’s no reason to change, I don’t think.”
Wallstedt’s Impressive Performance
In a thrilling 3-2 shootout win against the Avalanche, Wallstedt showcased his skills by making 39 crucial saves. This victory ended Colorado’s impressive ten-game winning streak. The 23-year-old goalie currently leads the NHL in goals-against average at 1.93, save percentage at .938, and shutouts with three.
- Record this Season: 7-0-2, with no regulation losses.
- Last Six Starts: 6-0-0, averaging 1.14 goals against and .967 save percentage.
Key Moments in the Game
Wallstedt’s performance included three saves during overtime, followed by his transition into the shootout. He entered this phase with a perfect record of 7-for-7 but concluded the night going 2-for-3 against Colorado’s shooters. Notably, he stopped Nathan MacKinnon, the NHL’s leading scorer, along with Cale Makar, a top defenseman.
The Signature Win Celebration
One of the standout elements of Wallstedt’s victories is his signature celebration—shooting an arrow after securing a win. This celebration has become a hallmark of his persona. Wallstedt explained, “I think it looked cool,” and mentioned that while other goalies may not mimic it, he enjoys the uniqueness it brings.
Despite criticism from some broadcasters, Wallstedt remains unfazed. In fact, he finds joy in engaging with the game’s elite talent. “I love shootouts,” he conveyed, expressing his thrill in competing against top players.
Team Spirit and Recognition
The excitement around Wallstedt’s celebration led to the creation of team t-shirts honoring his performance, which many players wore pre-game. Head coach John Hynes also expressed interest in obtaining a shirt, highlighting the impact of Wallstedt’s contributions to the team’s morale.
A Legacy of Memorable Moments
Wallstedt’s impressive display against Colorado contributes to a rich history of Minnesota players sending the Avalanche home on a losing note. The celebration, drawing from past playoff rivalries, offers a respectful nod to the team’s past achievements. While Wallstedt has not yet earned a Stanley Cup, he is quickly becoming a fan favorite in St. Paul.
As the season progresses, Jesper Wallstedt’s signature win celebration remains a defining aspect of his identity as a rookie in the NHL. This tradition appears poised to stay, much to the delight of his fans and teammates alike.
