Minnesota Wild make surprising roster decision involving Marc-Andre Fleury minutes before Game 2
Ahead of Game 1, the Minnesota Wild made the decision to start Filip Gustavsson ahead of Marc-Andre Fleury. The decision paid off after Gustavsson set a franchise record for saves in the 2OT victory. The 51 save performance led most people Gustavsson would be back in the net for game 2.
However, less than 20 minutes before Game 2 the Wild made this surprising announcement.
Marc-Andre Fleury starts tonight for MIN
Game 2 is set to begin at 9:30 Eastern tonight and this decision will be heavily criticised. Reporter Michael Russo provided this possible explanation why.
Despite Filip Gustavsson's franchise-record 51-save win in Game 1, Marc-Andre Fleury leads #mnwild onto ice for Game 2. If he wins, he'll pass Grant Fuhr for 3rd all-time w 93 wins. Agree or not, this is how the Wild's operated all year & something team's hinted at for 2 weeks
This morning, Fleury took shots from the D, which was a tell. He also wore his gold game pads, not the green ones he's been breaking in-also a tell. But when room opened to media, Fleury left ice & entered thru different door,� so wasn't perfectly clear if he or Gus were starting
My guess is after playing double OT the other night, #mnwild want to keep Gustavsson fresh and continue rotation we saw down the stretch (alternated 14 starts). Again, you can agree or not, but just giving what their rationale probably is. We'll ask Evason after game obviously
POLL |
AVRIL 19 | 100 ANSWERS Minnesota Wild make surprising roster decision involving Marc-Andre Fleury minutes before Game 2 Who would you start? |
Filip Gustavsson | 52 | 52 % |
Marc-Andre Fleury | 48 | 48 % |
List of polls |
|
1 hour ago | By Tom Banks Brandon Hagel Puts the Final Nail in the Coffin After Latest Shot at the Tkachuk Brothers and Team USA |
|
2 hours ago | By Tom Banks Brady Tkachuk and Insider Both Give Devastating Update On Matthew Tkachuk's Injury Situation |
|
3 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Brad Marchand Puts the Tkachuk Brothers on Blast Following Championship Win |
|
17 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery Team Canada Star Defenseman Ruled Out Moments Before Final Showdown with Team USA |
|
17 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery American Reporter Mocks Connor McDavid Hours Ahead of the Biggest Game of his Life |
|
19 hours ago | By Tom Banks NHL Players Reportedly Prioritizing Four Nations: Will Miss Time With Their Teams |
|
22 hours ago | By Tom Banks Charlie McAvoy Sends Team USA and the World a Message After Leaving the Hospital |
|
22 hours ago | By Tom Banks New York Islanders Place Former First Round Pick on Waivers |
Previously on Bladeofsteel