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  • The Wild Goalie Vibes Are Immaculate This Year


    Image courtesy of Matt Blewett-USA Today Sports
    Mikki Tuohy

    Two was a crowd in net for the Minnesota Wild last postseason. That's not the case this time around.

     

     

    Any NHL team that wants to make a deep run in the playoffs knows that their netminders are an important component. Last year, when Bill Guerin brought in Marc-Andre Fleury at the trade deadline, everything was coming up roses for the Minnesota Wild. Until then, Cam Talbot had been a dependable goalie who was on a tear. Adding a Hall-of-Fame goalie like Fleury to the mix seemed to solve any goalie problems the team could have before they even sprung up.

    That was, until the first round of playoffs started and an unexpected problem popped up. It made sense when Dean Evason and the coaching staff decided to put Fleury between the pipes for Game 1. However, it didn’t make sense to ice Talbot out of the crease altogether, parking him on the bench throughout playoffs until they threw him in Game 6 as a last-minute Hail Mary. 

    Everyone knows how that story ended. However, that led to this year and their trade for Filip Gustavsson. Heading into the playoffs, many fans are too fast to highlight the issue with last year’s goalie tandem and see it as foreshadowing for this year’s playoffs. But anyone entertaining that thought needs to know that they’re reading too far into it. The Fleury-Gustavsson tandem this year is a completely different and better beast than the Fleury-Talbot tandem of yesteryear.

    The 2021-22 Wild started the season with a definite primary goalie and a backup. There was no disputing that. Talbot took the majority of the starts with Kaapo Kahkonen stepping in occasionally. It was Talbot’s net. 

    But when they added Fleury at the trade deadline, everyone sniffed out a potential problem. Of course, Talbot and Fleury were completely professional about the entire situation. On some level, Talbot understood that the Wild didn’t bring in Fleury to be his backup. However, Talbot might not have anticipated that Fleury would take over the net in playoffs. The tension was there, and at some point, became unavoidable.

    This season, the relationship between Fleury and Gustavsson started as more of a mentor/mentee relationship and has progressed into a true tandem rotation. At the beginning of the season when Fleury was the assumed primary goalie, Gustavsson was given an early chance to show off his skills, and boy did he. He’s earned his way into a rotation, and he hasn’t taken it for granted.

    Fleury has admitted that he feels blessed to still be playing hockey. He understands that he might need more rest time now than he used to. Fleury knows that he can safely turn the crease over to Gustavsson and know it is in good hands. 

    On the other hand, Gustavsson came in as a good goalie who needed some work. Who better to partner up with than Fleury, the 2021 Vezina winner? Gustavsson has been able to have a season-long, front-row seat to the goalie clinic Fleury put on for him. 

    Together, they’ve formed a trusting goalie tandem who doesn’t have to worry when the other guy is in net. That means they’re able to be fully present in the game and focus instead of having to worry about anything else. 

    Going into the playoffs, Fleury knows what it takes to get through a long run. He’s been on the Stanley Cup-winning team three times during his career. He knows it's a grind, and he’s determined to get through it and win another Cup. The more guys in the locker room who’ve gone on deep playoff runs, the better it is for the team. They bring a level of experience that another player just can’t get anywhere else. No other sport has a grueling schedule like hockey does. 

    On the other hand, Gustavsson is coming in without any playoff experience. He will have to lean on Fleury for advice and support. He has one skill that will be a huge asset in playoffs: Gustavsson is able to stay calm in the net no matter what is happening in front of him.

    Where Fleury likes to put on a show, Gustavsson is more precise. Neither is a bad goaltending style. But being a calm presence also helps the guys in front of him. They always know that Gustavsson is ready to be a brick wall in net.

    Another contributing factor is that both goalies are really good teammates. The wonderful personalities that Fleury and Gustavsson have will take them far during playoffs. Fleury is known as the nicest guy in the league. With his friendliness and passion for pranks, he knows how to lighten up stressful situations like the playoffs.

    Gustavsson has stated that he’s just glad to be on a team that believes in him. In return for that belief, he’s rewarded the Wild with stellar goaltending. With the support from the team, management, and fans, Gustavsson will put the "Gus Bus" in an even higher gear come playoff time. 

    With two goalies who are willing to stand on their heads to make a save, the Wild can be confident that they have a dependable goalie tandem behind them. And while no one can predict how the goalie situation is going to play out during playoffs, fans can rest assured that this goalie tandem has immaculate vibes that’ll carry the team far. 

     

     

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    That was, until the first round of playoffs started and an unexpected problem popped up. It made sense when Dean Evason and the coaching staff decided to put Fleury between the pipes for Game 1.

     

    I'm sorry but I have to disagree with this statement. It didn't make sense to me and I'm sure that's the case with a lot of other opinions.

    The way I saw it, Talbot was the goalie that put the Wild in  position for the post season. Talbot was on a hot streak at the time as well. He EARNED the start of game 1.

    It will be difficult to change my mind on that point. Granted, MAF is a HOF goalie although, he still hadn't learned enough on how this team likes to play in front of him and he himself even stated that he will be better when the chemistry is built.

     We need to ride the hot goal tender! "Gus Bus" for game 1!!!

     Good article otherwise.

    Edited by Backwoodsbob
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    3 hours ago, Backwoodsbob said:

     

    I'm sorry but I have to disagree with this statement. It didn't make sense to me and I'm sure that's the case with a lot of other opinions.

    The way I saw it, Talbot was the goalie that put the Wild in  position for the post season. Talbot was on a hot streak at the time as well. He EARNED the start of game 1.

    It will be difficult to change my mind on that point. Granted, MAF is a HOF goalie although, he still hadn't learned enough on how this team likes to play in front of him and he himself even stated that he will be better when the chemistry is built.

     We need to ride the hot goal tender! "Gus Bus" for game 1!!!

     Good article otherwise.

    You have to remember that Kaapo and Talbot at the the time of the trade last year, were struggling. There wasn’t full confidence in the goalie tandem and future contract considerations, hence the trade. 

    Not trying to change your mind, just providing context and my view. I don’t think the brass quite trusted the goalies last year. This year is different.

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    2 hours ago, Jon said:

    You have to remember that Kaapo and Talbot at the the time of the trade last year, were struggling. There wasn’t full confidence in the goalie tandem and future contract considerations, hence the trade. 

    Not trying to change your mind, just providing context and my view. I don’t think the brass quite trusted the goalies last year. This year is different.

    Jon, it looks like we are going to have some really spirited debates as things go on, and I like that.  I think you may be right about Kahkonen, and while he subbed in for Talbot when Talbot was hurt, both seasons, he was really good, but as soon as Talbot was healthy again, he deferred knowing he was the backup.  He didn't perform well in the spotlight either.  

    I have no evidence to support this, but it is my opinion that Talbot also let people know this was his net, and he was pretty jealous over it.  I don't believe that he respected Kahkonen's game all that much and he simply felt he was better.  I also don't believe he was that great of a teammate with his tandem.  Now, that's not entirely fair to paint Talbot that way, but if you look at how talented he was having to backup King Hendrik all those years when he probably deserved more starts, you can see how an "it's my turn" mentality would be in Talbot's head, and his unwillingness to relinquish it.  He fought very hard to get a starting job, it wasn't going away easily.  

    Here's where I have to completely agree with BB. By every measurement metric, Talbot outplayed Fleury coming down the stretch.  Reputation was the only thing Fleury had going for him.  Talbot did play exceptionally well coming down the stretch, beat Fleury in record, sv%, tougher starts, and seniority.  He also, the prior year, had put in a stellar performance in the playoffs.  Simply put, Talbot earned the game 1 start, and just the game 1 start. Starting someone else was a slap in the face, especially since the player was under the impression that the down the stretch play was the audition for that start. He won it, yet Fleury was chosen over him, and not just chosen, but was told it was an easy decision. No competitor wants to hear that, nor can accept a different fate than what he had earned.  

    But, this tandem is different.  Fleury doesn't have that same mentality.  So, learning from last year, I would also do things differently if I was Evason.  

    1. I'm splitting game 1 & 2 between both goalies and letting them know that before any performance starts.
    2. I'm splitting games 3 & 4 the same way, anticipating that there will be no sweep.
    3. This way, each goalie is familiar with that team in each building.  Games 5, 6, 7, if they happen, will go to the goalie who is the hottest at the time. 
    4. If this is undeterminable, or the rotation seems to be working really well, I stick with it.  

     

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    Since this is the newest article, I'll post it here:

    CHL Update: 

    • Sherbrooke is up 2-0 on Drummondville. Spacek has put up 1g & 1a so far this series.
    • Saginaw is down 0-2 to Sarnia. Saginaw has 1g in 2 games. Haight has 1a.
    • Kamloops is up 2-0 on Portland. Bankier 1g 2a; Masters 1a
    • Winnipeg is tied 1-1 with Moose Jaw. Lambos 1a, he is a +8 through 6 games.
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    3 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

    Jon, it looks like we are going to have some really spirited debates as things go on, and I like that.  I think you may be right about Kahkonen, and while he subbed in for Talbot when Talbot was hurt, both seasons, he was really good, but as soon as Talbot was healthy again, he deferred knowing he was the backup.  He didn't perform well in the spotlight either.  

    I have no evidence to support this, but it is my opinion that Talbot also let people know this was his net, and he was pretty jealous over it.  I don't believe that he respected Kahkonen's game all that much and he simply felt he was better.  I also don't believe he was that great of a teammate with his tandem.  Now, that's not entirely fair to paint Talbot that way, but if you look at how talented he was having to backup King Hendrik all those years when he probably deserved more starts, you can see how an "it's my turn" mentality would be in Talbot's head, and his unwillingness to relinquish it.  He fought very hard to get a starting job, it wasn't going away easily.  

    Here's where I have to completely agree with BB. By every measurement metric, Talbot outplayed Fleury coming down the stretch.  Reputation was the only thing Fleury had going for him.  Talbot did play exceptionally well coming down the stretch, beat Fleury in record, sv%, tougher starts, and seniority.  He also, the prior year, had put in a stellar performance in the playoffs.  Simply put, Talbot earned the game 1 start, and just the game 1 start. Starting someone else was a slap in the face, especially since the player was under the impression that the down the stretch play was the audition for that start. He won it, yet Fleury was chosen over him, and not just chosen, but was told it was an easy decision. No competitor wants to hear that, nor can accept a different fate than what he had earned.  

    But, this tandem is different.  Fleury doesn't have that same mentality.  So, learning from last year, I would also do things differently if I was Evason.  

    1. I'm splitting game 1 & 2 between both goalies and letting them know that before any performance starts.
    2. I'm splitting games 3 & 4 the same way, anticipating that there will be no sweep.
    3. This way, each goalie is familiar with that team in each building.  Games 5, 6, 7, if they happen, will go to the goalie who is the hottest at the time. 
    4. If this is undeterminable, or the rotation seems to be working really well, I stick with it.  

     

    I think that’s a strong assessment of Talbot’s perspective in career and with the Wild. I’m more of a context guy than I am a numbers guy; your perspective brings balance to mine and I hope we do continue to share our sides. I have enjoyed it as well; I very rarely take things personal and nearly always enjoy a challenge in dialogue. I think your opinion is valid and sound. 

    I do not discredit you for agreeing with BB. It might be the best perspective, certainly is strong by evidence performing during the season for Talbot. I’m not saying it is what I would do, but I can understand why Flower was given the net in playoffs. Personally, I would rather see the hot hand as the goalie in net, or the cold hand NOT in net. From my perspective, Talbot was shaky over the stretch post-trade. For me, his play warranted a gamble on Fleury’s credibility as a less-than-a-year-removed Vezina winner and decorated champion. The rest is history. 

    I do want to clarify, though, that I believe in pretty much all of what you said. I just like to hear and compare perspectives. It’s fun too, and frankly, it’s boring when no one engages. One can learn and have some fun, why not? Glad to have this, mnfaninnc!

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    No comment until we see who's in net today...

     

    Korean Drama Whatever GIF by The Swoon

     But oooooooh am I gonna so comment when the good ol' boys club rolls out. /meonhold

    Won't be joining the game thread either unfortunately. It's screening on AFN at 6 tonight which is 1 in the morning over there and I don't want to see the score.

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    5 hours ago, Millante said:

    No comment until we see who's in net today...

    but it had better be Gustavsson!!!

    I could care less what Fleury did before joining the Wild. He's not that goalie anymore, and with the Wild, he has a .908 save percentage with a 2.83 goals against average.

    Gustavsson has a .931 save percentage and 2.10 goals against average!

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    13 hours ago, Jon said:

    Talbot was shaky over the stretch post-trade.

    Each with 11 games prior to playoffs, Talbot had a .925 save percentage compared to Fleury's .910.

    Talbot had given up more than 3 goals in regulation just once over the last 8 games.

    Fleury had given up more than 3 goals in regulation 4 times in those last 8 games.

    In the 7 games prior to the finale, Fleury had an .881 save percentage and 3.57 goals against average. He did improve those averages by facing Colorado in the finale, a meaningless game where the Avalanche sat every star and replaced them all with AHL scrubs. Fleury did well in that one, the only start in his last 5 that he saved 90%+.

    Aside from that meaningless game against Colorado, Fleury only had 1 game in the 4 weeks prior to the playoff game where he'd allowed 2 goals or less.

    In Talbot's last 7 games, those included in that same 4 week span, he had a .913 save percentage and 4 games allowing 2 goals or less.

    If Talbot was "shaky", Fleury looked cooked.

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    14 hours ago, Imyourhuckleberry said:

    Each with 11 games prior to playoffs, Talbot had a .925 save percentage compared to Fleury's .910.

    Talbot had given up more than 3 goals in regulation just once over the last 8 games.

    Fleury had given up more than 3 goals in regulation 4 times in those last 8 games.

    In the 7 games prior to the finale, Fleury had an .881 save percentage and 3.57 goals against average. He did improve those averages by facing Colorado in the finale, a meaningless game where the Avalanche sat every star and replaced them all with AHL scrubs. Fleury did well in that one, the only start in his last 5 that he saved 90%+.

    Aside from that meaningless game against Colorado, Fleury only had 1 game in the 4 weeks prior to the playoff game where he'd allowed 2 goals or less.

    In Talbot's last 7 games, those included in that same 4 week span, he had a .913 save percentage and 4 games allowing 2 goals or less.

    If Talbot was "shaky", Fleury looked cooked.

    Well this may be an overreaction, but I feel vindicated in my belief of Gus after tonight’s win. Last year’s tandem did not inspire confidence in me to be able to handle a game like tonight.

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    I'm fairly new to the Wild. I hopped onto the bandwagon because of Fleury. I'm a lifelong Penguins fan who has cheered for the teams Fleury has been on (except for the Blackhawks lol. I only cheered for them when he started. Thank you Billy G for getting him outta that organization). I think last year's decision to start Flower was based on matchups. Talbot struggled mightily against the Blues that entire season. Sometimes the coaches play matchups and win and sometimes they lose. I think maybe Evason might do it differently if he had the chance to go back in time, but who knows. This year, I think with the relationship that Gus and Flower have, it doesn't matter who starts as far as the egos and feelings side of it goes. Because there are no egos with these two. They are competitive without being toxic to each other and the team. And I say this as someone who has followed Talbot his whole career. I grew up in Huntsville, AL and I watched him play for the UAH Chargers. I was rooting for him to succeed. But yeah, his and his agent's comments and attitudes rubbed me the wrong way at the end there. 

    I think this Wild team trusts both goalies and Flower and Gus trust each other. That's huge. 

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