Wild Survive Hurricanes, 4-3 in Shootout with Wallstedt’s Heroics
UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, the Minnesota Wild clinched a 4-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in a shootout on November 8, 2023. Rookie goalie Jesper Wallstedt turned in a phenomenal performance, stopping a career-high 42 shots and three more in the shootout, solidifying his team’s strong momentum.
The tension escalated in the final minutes as the Hurricanes pulled their goalie, scoring with just 1:06 left to force overtime. Despite being outshot 45-18, the Wild showcased resilience, extending their record to 5-0-1 in their last six games, with Wallstedt making crucial saves throughout the match.
In a game filled with dramatic moments, Matt Boldy contributed significantly, scoring in regulation and netting the decisive goal in the shootout. His backhander off a deke found the net against goalie Frederik Andersen, marking Minnesota’s second shootout victory of the season.
The Wild struck first with a goal from Brock Faber just 1:43 into the game, tipped in from a feed by Mats Zuccarello, who made a triumphant return after missing the first 15 games of the season due to injury. Zuccarello scored his first goal of the season on a breakaway just 15 seconds into the third period, putting Minnesota up 3-1.
As the match progressed, Carolina’s Jackson Blake netted two goals, including a controversial late score that required a review. His persistent efforts nearly won the game in overtime, but Wallstedt’s stellar play kept the Hurricanes from sealing the deal.
Wallstedt’s scoreless streak of 175:12, which included consecutive shutouts against Calgary and Anaheim, is now the fourth longest in Wild history. His performance tonight makes him the only NHL goalie with more than one shutout this season.
With both teams vying for crucial points, the emotional stakes ran high. The Wild’s next challenge comes against the Pittsburgh Penguins on November 10, while the Hurricanes face the Winnipeg Jets the same night.
Stay tuned for further updates as the NHL season heats up!
