GLENDALE, ARIZ. – Kaapo Kahkonen's spot with the Wild was solidified this week, with the goaltender locking up the team's backup duties after Alex Stalock was claimed off waivers by Edmonton.
But the job security hasn't changed Kahkonen's outlook.
"I'm treating everything the same way," he said. "Just trying to focus one game at a time here."
That approach seems to be working for the rookie, who was back between the pipes Friday for the first half of a back-to-back against Arizona after starter Cam Talbot handled the first two games on the road trip.
At the time the Wild placed Stalock on waivers, Kahkonen was coming off his fifth straight win and a run in which he had stopped 128 of 137 shots — steadiness that has become a hallmark of the 24-year-old's play since his debut with the Wild last season.
"[I'm] trying to be calm and trying to get square and beat the pass," Kahkonen said. "If there's a cross-ice pass, just get there before the puck gets there. Just not chase the game."
Even if the Wild chose to keep Stalock on its roster and carry three goalies instead of subjecting Stalock to waivers — a necessary precursor to get him to the minors for longer than a conditioning loan or on the taxi squad — it would have been tough to shake up the depth chart with how well Kahkonen has performed.
"His practice habits are never giving up on a puck," coach Dean Evason said. "That translates into a game. He's never out of a play no matter where the puck is or where it's going. He's going to battle to get there."