In the game about a week ago against Ottawa, when Gustavsson last guarded the goal, he let in six goals. It didn't become less embarrassing because his goalkeeper competitor Linus Ullmark, on his way back after an injury, plays there.
It was hopefully something that happens once and never again, it was a bit embarrassing, says Gustavsson to reporters after the strong performance against Carolina, where he blocked 38 shots and, among other things, stopped a penalty shot.
Now Gustavsson showed why he is one of three selected goalkeepers in Tre Kronor for next week's Four Nations tournament.
High grade from Hynes
Minnesota's head coach John Hynes gave a high grade to his players for their defensive play. And to "Gus" as he calls his Swedish goalkeeper. Minnesota led, and Gustavsson held tight, until there were only a few minutes left. Carolina didn't manage to equalize.
But when they got some chances, which you can only count on, Gus was there and with, says Hynes, describing it as a match where the goalkeeper really had to be on top for it to work.
Calgary's Rasmus Andersson scored his eighth goal of the season. But it wasn't worth much since Colorado led 4–1 and there were less than two minutes left of the game.
Assist gave points
Oskar Sundqvist experienced something similar in St Louis. He directed a goal in numerical superiority in the beginning of the middle period.
It gave no points, reigning Stanley Cup champions Florida won the game 3–2 after Matthew Tkachuk decided with twelve seconds left.
William Eklund played forward to Tyler Toffoli's 1–1 equalizer with 1.28 left and saved a point at home against Vancouver.
Vancouver took the bonus points after penalties.
