Ilya Bryzgalov will be back in Minnesota’s net tonight in New Jersey, two days after shutting out the Islanders, 6-0.
“When a goalie has a shutout we like to come back with him,” Wild coach Mike Yeo said, per NHL.com. “I just thought he was very good in that game, especially early in the game. All game long he had a very calming presence in the net and he looked big. We want to give him a chance to get back at it and see if he can continue that.”
Bryzgalov stopped all 36 shots he faced in New York, upping his save percentage to a respectable .913. If he continues to play well, it’s possible he sees action in the playoffs, though rookie Darcy Kuemper probably remains the current favorite to start.
Bryzgalov was traded to Minnesota from Edmonton prior to the deadline. In two appearances for the Wild, he’s allowed just two goals on 58 shots.