Filip Gustavsson's sudden illness forces Fleury into action as Minnesota Wild fall to Golden Knights in overtime
In Game 5 of the Wild's playoff series against the
Golden Knights
,
Filip Gustavsson
's unexpected illness led to a dramatic goalie change.
Marc-Andre Fleury
, stepping in to replace Gustavsson, faced his former team for the first time in a playoff game. Despite
Fleury
's solid performance, the
Wild
fell 3-2 in overtime, raising questions about the impact of
Gustavsson
's sudden exit on Minnesota's playoff hopes.
Filip Gustavsson's illness sparks Fleury's surprising playoff return for Wild
It was a scene that no one expected. With the game tied 2-2 and the stakes at an all-time high, Fleury entered the game with just one goal, to help the Wild hold onto their playoff hopes. Despite only facing seven shots in total, he saved six of them, showing flashes of the legendary goaltender he's known to be. However, it wasn't enough to prevent the Golden Knights from securing the win in overtime, thanks to Brett Howden's early-game heroics.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
3 Reasons to Plug This Into Your Home Today
elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill
Learn More
Undo
While Fleury's performance was far from disastrous, his sudden insertion into a high-stakes game sparked mixed reactions. Fans in the arena, many of whom still carry a soft spot for Fleury, cheered his every move, chanting his name as he stepped in between the pipes for the third period.
Filip Gustavsson's sudden exit and Fleury's role raise questions about Wild's playoff future
Gustavsson's abrupt exit was attributed to an illness that surfaced during the game. Although Wild coach John Hynes mentioned the goalie had fought through it until he could no longer continue, the timing was less than ideal. The Wild had forced overtime after a tense third period, but was Gustavsson's sudden illness an unfortunate turn of events, or was it a symptom of larger concerns with Minnesota's playoff positioning?
Fleury himself acknowledged the situation, stating,
'I knew Gus wasn't feeling great before the game, but he battled through those first periods. I talked when he came off and he said that was it.'
In a scenario where every second counts, this forced shift raised the stakes for Minnesota in a way no one had anticipated.
While Fleury's play may have been a nostalgic return to Vegas, it also raises questions about the team's goalie situation moving forward. With the Golden Knights leading the series 3-2, Minnesota now faces a crucial Game 6. Whether Gustavsson returns to the crease or Fleury becomes the mainstay remains to be seen, but the sudden change in netminders could very well shape the Wild's playoff fate.
Also Read:
Auston Matthews calls playoff loss a 'Roller Coaster' after Leafs stumble in Game 5 against Senators
In the high-pressure world of the Stanley Cup playoffs, sometimes the most unexpected moves make the biggest difference. But whether Fleury can turn the tide for Minnesota or if Gustavsson will bounce back from his illness will be the pivotal question heading into the next game. Only time will tell if the Wild can weather this storm.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Former Maple Leafs star reacts boldly to shocking trade rumors involving two of Auston Matthews' teammates
Blockbuster trade chatter around Auston Matthews' teammates gets blunt reaction from ex-Toronto Maple Leafs player (Imagn Images) The Toronto Maple Leafs are entering one of their most intriguing offseasons in recent memory. After Mitch Marner's departure to the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade, the team finds itself at a crossroads. Fans are now turning their attention to Auston Matthews, the franchise's centerpiece, and the kind of supporting cast he'll have around him when the puck drops next season. Maple Leafs weigh stability and possible big moves for Auston Matthews Toronto made one thing clear early—stability matters. John Tavares committed to four more years with the team, signing an extension worth an average annual value of $4.38 million. That decision not only secures veteran leadership but also ensures Matthews has another proven scorer alongside him. Meanwhile, Matthew Knies is set to continue developing on Matthews' wing, a move that reflects the Leafs' belief in building around their young star. Still, speculation lingers about who might be shipped out to bring in more firepower. Nick Robertson and Morgan Rielly are the names most often floated in trade chatter. While Robertson has shown flashes of promise, questions remain about his long-term fit. Rielly, on the other hand, has been criticized for plateauing at a stage when Toronto needs defensive reliability. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Remember Him? Sit Down Before You See What He Looks Like Now 33 Bridges Undo That's where the idea of Erik Karlsson enters the conversation. Former Leafs defenseman Jay Rosehill didn't mince words when asked about the possibility of such a deal. 'I take that all day. We're trying to get rid of Nick Robertson in general, where does he fit? Whose spot is he taking? I just don't think he's going to be here, and Morgan Rielly has stalled,' Rosehill said on Leafs Morning Take. Will Maple Leafs pursue Karlsson to support Auston Matthews? Karlsson, a Norris Trophy winner with elite offensive instincts, could be the kind of player capable of reshaping Toronto's blue line. Rosehill highlighted his potential impact: 'To get the upside of Erik Karlsson, and someone who can quarterback a PP and run the offense like Karlsson has done in the past, with all his accomplishments, he would be great, but I don't think anyone is really going to take that trade.' At this point, no negotiations are underway, but the discussion underscores the urgency for Toronto. With Matthews in his prime, the Maple Leafs can't afford half-measures. Whether it's Karlsson or another star acquisition, the coming months may decide just how far this team can push in its pursuit of a Stanley Cup. Also Read: Jake Guentzel breaks silence on NHL trade rumors, admits he nearly never joined the Tampa Bay Lightning Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Time of India
Maple Leafs eye top-six winger from Penguins in bold trade proposal
Penguins star Bryan Rust at center of NHL trade rumors (Imagn Images) As the Toronto Maple Leafs' fabled 'Core Four' era has finally come to an end, and with their pursuit of a top-line replacement in the wake of Mitch Marner's departure, a prominent trade scenario is gaining momentum. As per reports in a bold trade proposal, the Maple Leafs is targeting Pittsburgh Penguins right-winger Bryan Rust. Bryan Rust is a reliable top-six winger who scores between 25 and 30 goals in every season. Previously, he recorded 65 points last year and still has three years left on the contract he signed in 2022. With his no-movement clause now expired, the Penguins could consider moving him. Is Maple Leaf vying to acquire Penguins' Bryan Rust? After the breakup with Mitch Marner , general manager Brad Treliving is feeling the pressure, as he has to strengthen Toronto's team, and one name that's been brought up as a possible solution is Bryan Rust from the Pittsburgh Penguins, as suggested by Heavy Sports' Tristin McKinstry. McKinstry of Heavy Sports noted that Rust would be a strong fit for Toronto as the team continues its hunt for a Stanley Cup. "Rust has the ability to score 25-30 goals a season. And he can do so rather reliably. He would be a fantastic addition for a Maple Leafs team seeking to end its longstanding Stanley Cup drought," he added. It is to be noted that earlier, Pittsburgh acquired Nick Robertson, David Kampf, a 2028 first-round pick, and a conditional 2026 third-round pick. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Remember Him? Sit Down Before You See What He Looks Like Now 33 Bridges Undo Clifton, Jones, and Wotherspoon Media Availabilities | Pittsburgh Penguins Kyle Dubas puts a high asking price on Bryan Rust All off season, there's been a lot of buzz about the Pittsburgh Penguins being open to trades, with Kyle Dubas reportedly fielding offers for some key players like Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, and Erik Karlsson. However, despite all this talk, nothing has happened yet, and that's likely because Dubas is asking for a hefty return, especially for Rust. The proposed trade that would send Rust to Toronto seems like a great fit for the Maple Leafs, but it's hard to believe the Penguins would go for it. While the draft picks are appealing, Dubas has made it clear he's looking for young talent or prospects in any deal, which means Nick Robertson and David Kampf probably won't catch his eye. Also Read : Detroit Red Wings to retire Sergei Fedorov's No. 91 in 2026 | NHL News - Times of India This is definitely a situation worth keeping an eye on, but if Brad Treliving wants to snag Bryan Rust from Pittsburgh, he probably needs to step up his game a little bit more. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
Florida Panthers' player Sam Reinhart creates long-lasting memories with Stanley Cup
(Image via Getty: Sam Reinhart) Picture this: The Vancouver Canucks were eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers later went on to fight for the Stanley Cup against the Florida Panthers. The Panthers won the cup. Florida's top player, Sam Reinhart, trains, parades, and poses with the Stanley Cup in Vancouver! Incoming: Mixed reactions from viewers–A fan commented, 'Only time Vancouver will see a cup.' Another fan sent a crying GIF with the caption: 'Cancucks fans seeing this.' While the fans criticized the Canucks, Sam Reinhart was busy creating long-lasting memories with the Stanley Cup! Sam Reinhart trains, parades, and poses with Stanley Cup in Vancouver Florida Panthers' forward Sam Reinhart made the most of his day with the Stanley Cup in Vancouver. An X account by the name of Philip Pritchard, the Hockey Hall of Fame's Keeper of the Cup, posted a video clip of Reinhart's day with the Cup. They captioned it: 'Sam Reinhart has no time to take a break to enjoy his day with the Cup if he wants a three-peat. But not even for a minute? 🙂 (North Vancouver, BC) #StanleyCup @FlaPanthers @NHL @HockeyHallFame. ' The ice hockey forward placed the Cup on a training sled and carried it from one end to the other. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold 2022 Cars Now Almost Free - Prices May Surprise You Unsold Cars | Search Ads Learn More Undo He even performed bench presses with it. The veteran player also planted a kiss on the 34.5-pound Cup after every repetition during the bench press. On watching this, a fan commented, 'That's motivation right there.' Another said, 'He still has his eye on the prize.' The Florida Panthers' official X account shared a video of Sam Reinhart lifting the trophy during a public boat parade on the West Vancouver Centennial Seawalk. They captioned it: 'EVERYONE SHUT UP!!! Our show is on.📍 Vancouver.' A fan chanted, 'REINO REINO REINO 🏆🏆.' Another declared, 'He's the king of the world!' Reinhart visited the West Vancouver Fire Department with the Stanley Cup. The department had helped extinguish a fire at his home, which the ice hockey forward had accidentally started when he was a kid. The official Instagram account of West Vancouver Fire & Rescue shared a snapshot of Reinhart holding the trophy and posing with their crew. The Department captioned it: 'Big day at Station 4! Huge thanks to Sam Reinhart for stopping by and bringing the Stanley Cup with him. The crew got to share a moment with hockey history—and it was unforgettable. Moments like this highlight the shared values of commitment and teamwork—on the ice and in the community. @samsonreinhart.' Also Read: Former Maple Leafs center Doug Gilmour celebrates 31st anniversary of being named a franchise captain | NHL News - Times of India Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
