Wild turn to Stalock in order to rest Dubnyk

For the first time in over a year, Alex Stalock will make a start at the NHL level.

The goaltender was recalled Wednesday by the Minnesota Wild, and he's expected to get the call for Thursday's game against the Senators in order to give the slumping Devan Dubnyk an opportunity to rest and practice, according to Michael Russo of the Star Tribune.

Boudreau on Stalock: "Alex has done a great job down in Iowa...we can't keep going with Dubs - we have to give him a rest." #mnwild

- Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) March 30, 2017

As a result, normal backup Darcy Kuemper has been essentially bumped out of the goalie rotation for the time being in light of his general ineffectiveness this season.

Stalock signed a one-year deal with the Wild last summer, and then a two-year, two-way contract extension in February. He has yet to debut with the team, but has posted a .924 save percentage in 45 appearances with the AHL's Iowa Wild.

He last appeared in the NHL on Feb. 11, 2016, allowing five goals on 22 shots in an overtime loss to the Flames as a member of the San Jose Sharks.

Dubnyk, meanwhile, has had an awful March, winning three of 14 games on a .889 save percentage. He's only had one game off since Feb. 16.

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