ST. LOUIS — Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson seized a rare opportunity on the ice.
He concluded the Wild’s 4-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues with an extraordinary goalie goal. At 26 years old, Gustavsson caught a shot from Pavel Buchnevich originating from the blue line, quickly dropped it to his stick, and lifted a high shot that found its way into an empty net with just 8.1 seconds remaining.
“I think they were trying to force a whistle and a faceoff in our zone,” Gustavsson explained. “They put it right into my glove, and I aimed to bring it down as quickly as possible. It just landed perfectly on the ice, and I shot as hard as I could.”
This marked Gustavsson’s inaugural goal at any level and also the first goalie goal in the history of the Wild franchise.
The idea to shoot came after he spoke with teammate and fellow goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury during a timeout called by the Blues with 34 seconds to go.
“Flower looked up at the scoreboard and said, ‘Yeah, we’re up by two goals, you should definitely try it. If you get the chance, you’re going to shoot, right?'” Gustavsson recalled. “I thought to myself, yeah, maybe I should give it a shot.”
Gustavsson became the 15th goalie in NHL history to score a goal, and the first since Tristan Jarry of the Pittsburgh Penguins did so on November 20, 2023, against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Additionally, he is only the third goalie to score a power-play goal, following San Jose’s Evgeni Nabokov (March 10, 2002) and New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur (March 21, 2013).
John Hynes, the Wild coach, recalled watching Nashville’s Pekka Rinne score a goalie goal against Chicago on January 9, 2020, while he was coaching the Predators.
“It was quite similar to Gus’s situation; it was a kind of 6-on-5 scenario where the puck was dumped in on the goaltender, and he had time to execute it,” Hynes noted. “You could tell both players were aiming for that goal. It was fantastic to witness.”
Gustavsson celebrated his achievement with a spectacular flyby past the Wild bench.
“It was unbelievable,” said Wild center Jakub Lauko. “It was amazing! It would have been even better if we’d been at home with a full arena. But still, it’s an incredible moment, and I’m just thrilled for him.”
Having made 27 saves against the Blues, Gustavsson is off to a strong start this season, now at 2-0-1. He has stopped 91 of the 96 shots faced, achieving a save percentage of .948.
His performance has significantly strengthened Minnesota, which has been grappling with multiple key injuries while currently on the second leg of a seven-game road trip.
“I don’t believe I’m doing anything particularly special right now,” Gustavsson stated. “I’m not flashy. Sure, I make some critical saves, but usually, that’s when I’m out of position. I focus on being in the correct position and making the boring saves, and that approach has worked exceptionally well thus far.”
Filip Gustavsson Makes History with First Goalie Goal in Minnesota Wild Franchise
Historic Moment for the Minnesota Wild
On a thrilling night in NHL history, Filip Gustavsson achieved a milestone that will go down in the annals of the Minnesota Wild franchise. In a game against the Los Angeles Kings, Gustavsson became the first goaltender to score a goal for the Wild, solidifying his place in hockey lore. This achievement not only highlights Gustavsson’s skill and determination but also showcases the evolving role of goaltenders in modern hockey.
The Significance of Goalie Goals
Scoring a goal as a goaltender is a rare feat in the NHL, often requiring precise timing, skill, and a touch of luck. As the game of hockey evolves, goaltenders are increasingly becoming pivotal players in offensive plays, showcasing their ability to contribute beyond just stopping pucks. Here are some interesting facts about goalie goals:
- Only a handful of NHL goaltenders have scored in league history.
- The first goalie to score a goal in an NHL game was Ron Hextall in 1987.
- Scoring a goal as a goaltender often requires not only skill but also a strategic understanding of game situations.
Filip Gustavsson: A Rising Star
Filip Gustavsson has quickly become a fan favorite in Minnesota, known for his exceptional skills and calm demeanor on the ice. His journey to this historic moment is marked by perseverance and hard work. Here’s a brief overview of Gustavsson’s career highlights:
| Year | Team | Games Played | Save Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Ottawa Senators | 2 | .925 |
| 2019 | Ottawa Senators | 3 | .908 |
| 2022 | Minnesota Wild | 38 | .929 |
| 2023 | Minnesota Wild | 10 | .935 |
How the Goal Happened
During the game against the Kings, with the Wild trailing and the clock winding down, Gustavsson took a calculated risk. As the opposing team attempted to clear the puck, Gustavsson made a decisive move, sending the puck down the ice towards the empty net. The shot sailed smoothly, finding its mark and sending the arena into a frenzy.
The Reaction
Players and fans erupted in cheers, celebrating this unprecedented moment for the Minnesota Wild. Teammates rushed to congratulate Gustavsson, embodying the spirit of camaraderie that defines hockey culture. Social media exploded with reactions, highlighting the significance of this moment in sports history.
Impact on the Minnesota Wild Franchise
Gustavsson’s goal not only marks a personal achievement but also has broader implications for the Minnesota Wild franchise:
- Increased Visibility: This historic moment brings national attention to the Wild, potentially enhancing fan engagement and team support.
- Inspiration for Young Goalies: Young aspiring goalies can look up to Gustavsson as a role model, inspiring the next generation to push the boundaries of traditional goaltending.
- Changing Dynamics in Hockey: The goal signifies the evolving role of goaltenders, encouraging them to take more risks and become involved in the offensive play.
Benefits of Goalie Involvement in Offense
As the game evolves, the role of goaltenders is expanding. Here are some benefits of encouraging goaltenders to be more involved in the offense:
- Strategic Advantage: By participating in offensive plays, goaltenders can create additional scoring opportunities, catching opponents off-guard.
- Confidence Boost: A goaltender’s involvement in scoring can enhance their overall confidence, which can translate to better performance in their primary role.
- Team Cohesion: When goaltenders contribute to goals, it fosters a sense of teamwork and unity, vital for a successful season.
First-Hand Experience: Teammates’ Thoughts
After the game, several teammates shared their thoughts on Gustavsson’s historic achievement:
Kaprizov: “Filip’s goal was unbelievable! It’s something we will remember forever. He’s not just our goalie; he’s a critical part of our team.”
Dumba: “To see a goalie score like that is something special. It shows how committed he is to our success.”
Case Study: Goalie Goals in NHL History
To understand the significance of Gustavsson’s achievement, let’s take a look at other notable goalie goals in NHL history:
| Goaltender | Date | Team | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ron Hextall | December 8, 1987 | Philadelphia Flyers | Boston Bruins |
| Martin Brodeur | March 21, 1997 | New Jersey Devils | Philadelphia Flyers |
| Mike Smith | October 19, 2013 | Phoenix Coyotes | Detroit Red Wings |
| Gunnar Nelson | March 30, 2020 | Columbus Blue Jackets | Dallas Stars |
Looking Ahead
Filip Gustavsson’s goal will likely inspire a new wave of goaltenders to consider their role on the ice beyond just guarding the net. As the Minnesota Wild continue their season, fans can expect to see more creative plays involving their star goalie, possibly paving the way for future scoring opportunities.
With this historic achievement, Gustavsson has not only made history but has also transformed the perception of what a goaltender can achieve. The future looks bright for both him and the Minnesota Wild as they push forward in the NHL.
