Wild vs Islanders: Starting Goaltending Matchup (November 7, 2025)
The Minnesota Wild (5-7-3) visit the New York Islanders (6-5-2) tonight, with both teams preparing for a key mid-season clash. Below is the projected goaltending matchup.
Jesper Wallstedt Starts for Minnesota
After making five straight starts and playing in yesterday’s loss to Carolina, Filip Gustavsson will rest tonight. Rookie Jesper Wallstedt is expected to start between the pipes for the Wild.
Wallstedt, 23, holds a season record of 1-0-2, a 3.38 goals-against average, and a .863 save percentage through ten games. He has never faced the Islanders, either last season or in his career. Overall, his NHL record stands at 3-3-2 with a 3.34 GAA and a .863 save percentage.
David Rittich Starts for the Islanders
The Islanders are beginning a back-to-back set tonight. Head coach Patrick Roy confirmed that veteran goaltender David Rittich will get the start, while Ilya Sorokin will play on Saturday.
Rittich, 33, has a strong start to this season, going 3-1-0 in four games with a 3.01 GAA and a .902 save percentage. He did not face the Wild last year but has found notable success against them in his career, posting a 5-0-1 record with a 2.11 GAA and a .935 save percentage over six starts, including one shutout.
“He’s been very consistent for us, bringing calm and experience to our net,” said Islanders head coach Patrick Roy.
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Author’s Summary: The Wild rely on young goalie Jesper Wallstedt, while the Islanders turn to veteran David Rittich in a matchup defined by youth versus experience.