Jesper Wallstedt has been recognized as the NHL Rookie of the Month for November. The Minnesota Wild goaltender achieved an impressive performance, finishing the month undefeated with a record of 6-0-0.
Outstanding Performance Metrics
During November, Wallstedt recorded a league-best goal average of 1.14 goals against per game. He also maintained a remarkable save percentage of 96.7%, along with three shutouts in his six appearances.
Strong Competition
Wallstedt’s achievements place him ahead of several notable contenders for the Rookie of the Month title:
- Yaroslav Askarov (San Jose Sharks) – 8-2-0, 1.88 GAA, 94.7 SV%
- Beckett Sennecke (Anaheim Ducks) – 14 points (4 goals, 10 assists) in 15 games
- Matthew Schaefer (New York Islanders) – 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) in 15 games
- Ivan Demidov (Montreal Canadiens) – 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists) in 13 games
Record-Breaking Streak
Wallstedt demonstrated consistency throughout the month, allowing two or fewer goals in five of his six games. His shutouts came against:
- Calgary Flames on November 9 (36 saves)
- Anaheim Ducks on November 15 (28 saves)
- Winnipeg Jets on November 23 (32 saves)
His streak of 175:12 without conceding a goal from November 7 to 19 set a franchise record for the Wild. This achievement marked the longest scoreless run by a rookie goaltender since John Gibson did so for the Anaheim Ducks in 2015.
Career Highlights
Wallstedt’s performance peaked on November 19 when he made a career-high 42 saves against the Carolina Hurricanes. This impressive display contributes to his overall season record of 7-0-2, featuring a league-leading save percentage of 93.8% and three shutouts.
Current League Standings
With an average of 1.93 goals allowed per game, Wallstedt ranks as the second-best goaltender in the NHL, just behind Devin Cooley of the Calgary Flames, who has a 1.88 average.
