TAMMERFORS. Jesper Wallstedt competed in the Silly Ice Hockey World Cup.
After two unusual outings for a goalkeeper, he thinks it’s over.
– I’m not stupid, it just doesn’t look bright, says the 20-year-old from the Minnesota Wild.
In a 7-1 win over Hungary, Tre Kronor won their shot statistics with a score of 51-9 and Jesper Wallstedt didn’t shoot on him in the final two periods.
He was followed by playing in a 4-1 win over Denmark where the shot stat was 34-11.
There were only two shots against Jesper Wallstedt in the first period, five in the second and four in the third.
“strange case”
After failing to save the puck in the final two innings against Hungary, he went on to receive the first shot against Denmark.
– It was a very special and strange situation. It was great to allow the first shoot. These matches are not easy as you only get about ten shots. There will not be much to do and it will be easy to bear the cold for a long time. It’s hard to play hockey. It’s not what I’m used to, especially in the AHL where there are 30 shots per game as a goalkeeper. It’s hard when you’re not feeling a lot of rubber, says Jesper Wallstedt.
Great Swedish stats
So far, 20-year-old Jesper Walstedt and 35-year-old Lasse Johansson from Fröland have played each of their six group-stage matches.
Unbeaten Tre Kronor conceded the fewest goals so far in the tournament with an aggregate goals difference of 23-3 in six matches.
Lacey Johansson kept two clean sheets and Jesper Walstedt in one.
Jesper Wallstedt kept a clean sheet in a 5-0 win over Austria as the shots made it 32-18.
In the group stage final against the USA a day after the Denmark game, it seemed time to bring Lasse Johansson back.
‘tough this year’
Jesper Wallstedt does not believe that it seems that there will be more matches for him in the tournament when the playoffs with the quarter-finals await him.
– Opportunities to play more do not look bright. I must maintain a positive mood and contribute what I can. It’s a tough competitive situation this year. Lacey Johansson was incredibly good. You can say what you want about that, he’s the one who saved us in so many situations. It feels good to you, but when you have a fellow goalkeeper like that, you might have to step aside if that’s the case. It’s not something we ever talked about, but you can read between the lines and we’re not stupid. Jesper Wallstedt says it seems like a logical way forward here.
Tre Kronor has it all in their hands and will win the group if they beat the United States on Tuesday afternoon Swedish time.