SUNRISE, Fla. – The Wild plans to switch up its goaltender at the beginning of its three-game road trip, tabbing Kaapo Kahkonen to face the Panthers Tuesday in Florida.
Alex Stalock, who has been handling the bulk of the minutes since No.1 Devan Dubnyk has been away from the team amid a medical situation with his wife, made the previous two starts.
"I wanted to get him in," coach Bruce Boudreau said of Kahkonen. "He deserved a game after the Jersey game, and I thought that this would the spot and I told him a couple days ago that he was playing today to get ready for it."
In his last appearance a week ago in New Jersey against the Devils, the 23-year-old made 32 saves for his first career win in his NHL debut.
"I felt pretty good all game," Kahkonen said. "I think the last week or 10 days, whatever it's been that I've been up here, helps a lot. You've got all those reps, practices and morning skates. It kind of helps you prepare for every game. So, I'll just try to keep building on that."
That isn't the only lineup change the Wild will make.
Center Victor Rask will return to the fourth line, replacing winger Ryan Donato.
Last game, Donato centered wingers Marcus Foligno and Ryan Hartman and committed two penalties in the 3-2 shootout win over the Stars. But Boudreau said that wasn't the reason Donato is getting subbed out.
