The (1-6-1) Iowa Wild hosted the (6-1) San Jose Barracuda on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Wells Fargo Arena. The Wild came into this game after defeating the Wolves on a road trip to Chicago. Prior to this game, the Wild were swept by the Barracuda in the Bay.
Goaltender Jesper Wallstedt took home the first of three stars in the game. Stars are given to the top performing players of a game. Wallstedt said that getting swept in San Jose was good for motivation. He also said that the win against Chicago gave them confidence.
“We got swept when we went to San Jose before,” Wallstedt said. “We wanted to let them know what it was like when they come to Iowa. We had some confidence coming out of Chicago where we beat the Wolves.”
Wallstedt saw 32 shots come his way during the game, only letting one get past in the third period. San Jose forward Lucas VanRoboys attempted to score a goal. However, the puck was in Wallstedt’s crease, which led to a collision. Forward Adam Raska then proceeded to punch VanRoboys around 5 times before serving two minutes for roughing.
“They reacted awesome,” Wallstedt said after taking the hit. “I’m very happy to play with a team that has guys that want to step up when things like that happen.”
Wallstedt said that it was difficult for him to get up during the fight, but said that it was fun to watch.
“Sometimes people disapprove of the physicality of the sport,” Wallstedt said. “But the players have to get used to it. The goaltenders have to as well.”
Wallstedt said that although it is physical, it’s all for sport.
“It’s [a] part of the game for sure,” Wallstedt said. “We have to keep it at a balance and you’re not out there to hurt anybody. It’s a competitive sport.”
Wallstedt said he wants the physicality, but also for his teammates to focus when it’s a close game. He thought that the team did well at keeping things at a balanced level.
There was an overhaul of players coming and going on the team prior to the game, according to Wallstedt.
“We had a lot of guys that were coming into a new style of playing and a new game plan,” Wallstedt said. “I think it took some time for us just [to] get everything together.”
The next two home games for the Wild will be against the Milwaukee Admirals (Nashville). Game one is on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. Game two is the following day at 3 p.m.
