Filip Gustafsson kept a clean sheet as Minnesota won

NEWARK The Philip Gustafsson era in Minnesota has begun — with a resounding collapse.

In his first start as goalkeeper for the Wild last night, the 25-year-old from Skellefteå stopped 41 shots and kept a clean sheet.

– It was close a few times but sometimes you get lucky, he smiled after the 2-0 win over Florida.

As of this year, Filip Gustafsson — who really broke down a wide front last year — will reportedly start the lion’s share of Minnesota Wild games and longtime legend Marc-Andre Fleury will serve as the second goaltender.

And after tonight’s season opener against last year’s finalists, the Florida Panthers, even Fleury’s most loyal supporters won’t have any objections to this arrangement.

‘Gus Bus’ was absolutely brilliant in his first match in the new role, acting with incredible composure, stopping 41 shots and keeping a clean sheet.

His teammates then let him wave to him on several occasions – especially at the start of the match.

– Philippe played great, coach Dean Evason said after the final whistle.

Skellefteå’s 25-year-old son smiles softly.

“It won’t be like this every night, that’s for sure,” he says.

– They were very close to getting the puck a few times, but sometimes you get lucky. On the other hand, you make your own luck.

In reality.

Here driver Joel Eriksson Ek was also in good form in the opening round of the season and had a big role in both goals. One he did himself and the other he played on.

– It’s great to be able to help the team, but it’s just about winning games, he says.

A little smoke in the Minnesota Cup blue and yellow: Marcus Johansson had to cancel the game due to injury. Coach Evason says he doesn’t know how long he might be out.