NHL EDGE stats behind Wallstedt’s historic start for Wild

After longtime NHL goalie Marc-Andre Fleury retired prior to this season, Wallstedt became the backup to Filip Gustavsson, one of the NHL’s most efficient goalies last season. The Wild, with Gustavsson and Wallstedt, rank second in team save percentage this season (.914) behind the Colorado Avalanche’s duo of Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood (.922).

Here are three underlying metrics storylines behind Wallstedt’s prowess:

1. 5-on-5 save percentage

Among goalies to play at least 10 games this season, Wallstedt leads the NHL in both 5-on-5 save percentage (.959) and 5-on-5 save percentage in close situations (.970; when games are tied in first or second period or within one goal in third period).

Considering the Wild rank sixth worst in 5-on-5 shot attempts percentage (46.8), Wallstedt has provided them with a huge lift as the backup and now 1B goalie behind Gustavsson. If Wallstedt continues to outperform Gustavsson (7-7-3, 2.74 GAA, .906 SV%), he could continue to make up ground on New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer and others in the Calder Trophy race.