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Wild defenders working around Faber’s absence
Jesper Wallstedt and a reshuffled defense have helped Minnesota allow just 2 goals in its first 2 games without Brock Faber.
Two games into the NHL season, the Minnesota Wild have allowed just two goals while filling the void left by star defenseman Brock Faber, bolstered by Jesper Wallstedt's goaltending.
Faber suffered an injury during the final exhibition game, leaving his return timeline unknown and forcing the team to rely on collective defensive depth.
Anchored by Quinn Hughes and Jared Spurgeon, the defensive group has thrived, with Olli Maatta and Jonas Brodin forming a successful secondary pair early in the season.
"Something you can't do in the summer is the defensive partner game," Maatta said, noting that training camp helped the group replicate necessary chemistry for the season.
Navigating the new 84-game NHL schedule, the Wild rely on their depth to sustain success, though Hughes emphasized the team will eventually need Faber's unique talents throughout the year.