Goalie Gustavsson Makes History with Rare Score
In a thrilling finale, Minnesota Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson stunned the St. Louis Blues with a game-sealing goal, capping off a 4-1 victory. This remarkable feat marked the first-ever goalie goal in Wild franchise history and Gustavsson’s inaugural score at any level.
A Calculated Risk
Gustavsson’s daring move began when he gloved a Pavel Buchnevich shot from the blue line, swiftly dropping it to his stick and launching a shot high into the air. The puck sailed into an empty net with just 8.1 seconds remaining, leaving the crowd in awe.
Inspiration from a Teammate
The 26-year-old goalie credits teammate Marc-Andre Fleury for sparking the idea during a Blues timeout with 34 seconds left. Fleury encouraged Gustavsson to take a shot, saying, “Yeah, we’re up two goals, you should probably try it. If you get the chance, you’re shooting right?” Gustavsson took the advice to heart, seizing the opportunity to make history.
A Rare Achievement
Gustavsson becomes the 15th goalie to score a goal in NHL history, with his power-play goal being only the third of its kind, following San Jose’s Evgeni Nabokov and New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Gustavsson’s skill and confidence between the pipes.
Celebrating in Style
As Gustavsson celebrated his goal with a flyby of the Wild bench, his teammates erupted in joy. “It was unbelievable,” said Wild center Jakub Lauko. “It was amazing. It would be nicer if we’d been at home with, like, a full barn. But, you know, it’s an incredible moment. I’m just happy for him.”
A Strong Start to the Season
Gustavsson’s impressive performance has given the Wild a much-needed boost, especially considering the team’s current injury woes. With a 2-0-1 record and a.948 save percentage, Gustavsson has established himself as a reliable force in the crease. Despite his humility, saying “I don’t think I do anything special right now,” Gustavsson’s heroics have undoubtedly made a significant impact on the team’s success.
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