Wild tab Gustavsson as the goalie in Game 2 against the Avalanche

DENVER — The Minnesota Wild Making a switch to the net for Game 2, going along Philip Gustavson Tuesday night later Jesper Walstead Allowed eight goals in a 9-6 loss to Colorado.

Wild coach John Hynes announced the goaltender swap hours before puck drop. Gustavsson hasn’t played since allowing five goals on April 13 at St. Louis. Went 28-15-6 with a 2.69 goals against average during the regular season.

Walstate surrendered 14 goals in six games during its first-round series win over Dallas. He struggled in Game 1 against the high-scoring Avalanche, allowing eight goals on 42 shots. Walstead and Gustavsson split time throughout the season.

“We have confidence in both of our goalies. They’re both great,” Hynes said. “They both played really good hockey. We believe either one of them can win us a game. It’s a good opportunity to get Gus in the net. He’s hungry to come in.”

Gustavsson played in 11 postseason games for the Wild, posting a 4-6 mark with a 2.54 goals-against average and .917 save percentage. Gustavson, 27, was anxiously awaiting his turn, Hynes said, and was “very supportive” of Walstead’s decision to go with him.

“But the thing I also liked about it was that he didn’t just admit it,” Hynes said. “He wants to play. He wants to get to the net. He’s been working for it. He’s making sure he’s ready to do it.

“It might be a little bit of a negative reaction, but he was like, ‘I understand the decision.’ He wanted to go down the net as he went. But his attitude towards the team and towards Wally was top notch.”

Wild remains without forwards I am Joel Erickson and defense personnel Jonas Brodin Due to lower body injuries. Hynes said there could be other changes to the lineup, but those would be game-time decisions based on health.