Filip Gustavsson starts in Wild net a few days after he ‘puked his brains out’
As the final seconds melted away in Wednesday’s 5-1 home victory over Tampa Bay, Filip Gustavsson had already left the ice. After playing spectacularly for 57 minutes, 52 seconds, Gustavsson’s exit was conspicuous to say the least.
Asked about Gustavsson after the game, coach Dean Evason replied, “He skated off and puked his brains out.” The stomach bug kept Gustavsson from making the one-game road trip to Buffalo on Saturday, but he was back in the lineup for Sunday’s home game against St. Louis.
“He skated yesterday and then (goaltending coach Freddy Chabot) had eyes him this morning to make sure his weight was back,” Evason said a couple of hours before puck drop. “He was cleared medically, and he’s ready to go.”
What went into the decision to start Gustavsson?
“Ultimately, it’s his call if he feels he’s ready to go,” Evason said. “These guys are professional athletes. They know their bodies and know if they’re good to go. We have to trust that they’re going to make the right decision to help the hockey club.”
The fact that Gustavsson deemed himself ready to go gave the Wild a boost considering Marc-Andre Fleury is currently away from the team as he tends to a personal matter. He is expected to fly back to the Twin Cities and rejoin the team before it leaves for the upcoming road trip to New York City.
Zuccarello improving
Though he missed both games this weekend with an upper-body injury, Mats Zuccarello is expected to travel with the Wild this week. Thus, there’s a chance he could be available for Tuesday’s game against the Rangers and Thursday’s game against the Islanders.
“He said he felt good when I spoke to him,” Evason said. “He’ll come on the road trip with us, and we’ll make a decision as we go forward.”
Greenway out
After playing Saturday against the Sabres, Jordan Greenway missed Sunday’s game with an illness.
It’s unclear how this impacts Greenway’s availability for the next couple of games. In response, the Wild were down a player up front, and inserted Alex Goligoski into the lineup as an extra blue liner.
Related Articles
Minnesota Wild | Wild star Kirill Kaprizov thrilled for another appearance at NHL All-Star Weekend
Minnesota Wild | Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov selected to NHL All-Star Weekend for second straight year
Minnesota Wild | Wild star Kirill Kaprizov nearly scored the goal of the year. How the heck did he do it?
Minnesota Wild | Wild earn statement win over Lightning on national television
