The Minnesota Wild are turning to a native Minnesotan to make a big start in goal in his hometown Thursday night.
The Wild recalled goaltender Alex Stalock from Iowa to start when the Wild host Ottawa so they can give struggling goaltender Devan Dubnyk a night off.
Stalock, 29, has been solid with Minnesota’s AHL affiliate Iowa. He’s posted a 20-16-7 record with a 2.31 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage. He also has four shutouts in 45 games in the AHL this season.
Stalock is a St. Paul native and former Minnesota Duluth standout. He does have some NHL experience, and has posted a 24-19-7 record in 62 career NHL games during parts of five seasons with San Jose (2010-16).
The decision could be really bad news for Minnesota’s backup goaltender Darcy Kuemper. According to the Star Tribune, Kuemper will be scratched for Thursday night’s game against Ottawa.
His last start against Vancouver on Saturday wasn’t a good one, he gave up four goals on eight shots during one stretch of the second period.
Considering he’s a free agent at the end of the season – it’s fair to wonder if Kuemper has played his last game in a Wild uniform.
