"He's played in some real big games for us this year and done a great job," Berube said of the decision to start Husso on Monday. "He's gotten better and better as the year went along, he's been consistent all year… He's just got to go play his game and do what he's done."
Husso posted a career-high 25 wins during the regular season, going 25-7-6 with a 2.56 goals-against average, a .919 save-percentage and two shutouts. He's entering the playoffs on a hot streak, too, going 9-1-2 in his last 12 games.
Husso will be making his first career postseason start. He served on the practice squad behind Binnington and Jake Allen during the team's title run in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
"He's a calm guy. Nothing seems to faze him too much," defenseman Justin Faulk said of Husso. "On and off the ice, he's got the same demeanor and I don't expect anything different from him (Monday)."
In addition, Brayden Schenn (upper-body) is expected to be in the lineup after missing the final four games with an upper-body injury. He was skating in his regular spot on the third line with Ivan Barbashev and Jordan Kyrou.
Marco Scandella (lower-body), who Berube said Sunday he thought would be available, is not yet ready to return. Niko Mikkola will draw into lineup, likely alongside Robert Bortuzzo.
Below is the projected lineup for Game 1 based on the morning skate at Xcel Energy Center.
