ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota backup Jesper Wallstedt made 28 saves for his second straight shutout as the Wild defeated the Anaheim Ducks 2-0 on Saturday night. Wallstedt extended his shutout streak to 141:09 after blanking Calgary 2-0 on Sunday night.
The 23-year-old Swede’s biggest save came late in the second period when he robbed Frank Vatrano alone in front. Wallstedt is the backup to fellow Swede Filip Gustavsson, who recently signed a five-year, $34 million extension on October 4.
Marcus Johansson scored in the second period, and Matt Boldy added an empty-net goal to seal the victory. Minnesota improved to 5-1-1 in its last seven games, allowing just 12 goals during that stretch.
The Wild’s dominance over the Ducks continues, with Minnesota now holding a 19-1-0 record against Anaheim dating back to the 2020-21 season, including six straight wins since March 14, 2024.
On the other side, Petr Mrazek made 29 saves for the Pacific Division-leading Ducks. Anaheim has struggled offensively recently, scoring just four goals while losing three straight games after winning nine of their previous ten. They entered the day averaging 3.88 goals per game, the second-best mark in the NHL.
Johansson opened the scoring just 55 seconds into the second period. Positioned down the slot a stride behind Ryan Strome, Johansson received a pass from Boldy, shifted from forehand to backhand to deke Mrazek, and lifted the puck over the sprawling goalie.
Johansson has seven goals this season, improving significantly after tallying just 11 goals in each of the past two seasons. Meanwhile, the Wild have scored first in a franchise-record eight consecutive games.
Special teams struggled for both sides, as Minnesota went 0-for-7 on the power play, and Anaheim went 0-for-2.
Injuries impacted both teams. Anaheim center Mikael Granlund, who returned Thursday after missing eight games with a lower-body injury, missed Saturday’s game with the same issue. The Wild’s right wing Vladimir Tarasenko sat out his first game of the season due to a lower-body injury.
Looking ahead, the Ducks will open a six-game homestand against Utah on Monday night, while the Wild will host Vegas on Sunday night.