Jesper Wallstedt’s NHL debut season has been a revelation for the Minnesota Wild, but a recent game served up a classic rookie moment. After letting in a first-period power-play goal, the young goaltender glanced at the replay on the scoreboard and noticed something odd: the name on the back of his jersey was spelled "Wallstead."

“An April Fool’s joke,” Wallstedt quipped after a 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, “but a little late.” The 21-year-old Swede was quick to pin the prank on fellow netminder Filip Gustavsson, though he couldn’t confirm it. The playful hazing even had him wondering if legendary prankster and former teammate Marc-Andre Fleury, now a team advisor, had a hand in it. “I’d rather have my name a little misspelled,” Wallstedt laughed, “than having my car on cinder blocks.”

The misspelled jersey was corrected for the second period, and Wallstedt’s performance was flawless. He stopped 34 shots, capping a stellar rookie campaign with an 18-9-6 record and a .915 save percentage—the second-best in the NHL. His hot start, which included an 8-0-2 run with four shutouts, has solidified a formidable Swedish tandem in the Wild crease alongside Gustavsson.

As the playoffs loom, this goaltending duo presents a fascinating decision for Minnesota. While Gustavsson brings more experience, his recent form has been shaky, with a 2-4 record and 25 goals allowed in his last six starts. Wallstedt’s consistent excellence, however, has undoubtedly forced his way into the conversation for playing time. His composure under pressure and elite puck-stopping ability are giving the playoff-bound Wild a massive boost, no matter how you spell his name.