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Let's Play Hockey!
 Wild Files: Manny Fernandez
| Name: Emmanuel ("Manny") Fernandez | Height: 6'0" | Weight 187 |
| Birthday: 8/27/74 | Place: Etobicoke, Ontario, CANADA |
| Position: GOALIE | Shoots: Left | 2003-04 Salary: $2,200,000 |
| Acquired: Trade with Dallas |
Manny Fernandez burns to be an NHL starter. But Wild management and coaches favor a two-goalie system that has meant that Manny has shared duties first with Jamie McLennan and now Dwayne Roloson since joining the Wild.
In the Wild’s inaugural season (2000-01), Manny posted super numbers (19-17-4, 2.24 GAA- an expansion record, .920 save percentage, 4 shut outs- tying an expansion record) but injuries hampered his play in 01-02 as reflected in his numbers (12-24-5, 3.05 GAA, .892 save percentage, 1 SO).
However, Manny rebounded beautifully in 02-03 when he appeared in 35 games, compiling a record of 19-13-2 with a 2.24 GAA and .924 save percentage and 2 shut outs. He and Roloson combined to form one of the most dynamic goaltending duos in the league, and they continued to push each other as the Wild went on a remarkable tear in the playoffs that saw the goalies take turns stepping up to win a series in which the team trailed 3-1.
OUR TAKE
Manny’s play and longevity last season quieted a lot of people who were ready to tag him as "injury prone". Manny has given off small vibes of discontent with his role as a co-starter on the Wild, but management has always said that the goalies dictate their ice time by their play; which would indicate that neither Manny nor partner Dwayne Roloson has distinguished himself as a clear cut #1. Or perhaps the best way to read that is that neither one has played himself into a #2 role. Regardless, there’s no doubt that the system worked for the Wild last season, and all indications heading into this one is that it ain’t broke, so they’re not going to fix it!
NOTES:Manny looks to be in midseason form so far this preseason.
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