USA Hockey is watching closely...

[bud white]

You have to think that Hellebuyck's hold on the #1 spot for Team USA in the 2026 Olympics is slipping away. On top of a shaky first round, Oettinger is outplaying him in critical games. Depending on how next season starts, it could be very likely that Otter and Jeremy Swayman end up overtaking Helly for the top spots. We'll see, of course, but the trending of Helly not being able to deliver in pressure games has to be alarming to Bill Guerin and Team USA.

[Old_Goat]

Well how much fun would it be if Joseph Woll caught fire for an extended time...

[BalotelliMassive]

The guy has played way too much hockey this season because he chased a win record, the president's trophy and the 4 nation fiasco....he has to be running on fumes.

[sdaltons]

But he's studied so much goaltending, guys!!

[bluetunehead]

Oettinger seems like the best choice. Maybe next season goes differently in the lead up to the games, but these playoffs haven't done any favors for Hellebuyck.

[BrummerStealsHome]

Is Jim Craig still available?

[Army's Mom]

But he's studied so much goaltending, guys!!

You'd think the concept of "pace yourself" would've come up in all the studying he did...

[bud white]

The guy has played way too much hockey this season because he chased a win record, the president's trophy and the 4 nation fiasco....he has to be running on fumes.

For everyone on this board advocating for the Blues to include Hofer in a trade. This ^ is why he shouldn't.

Binner is front runner for the Team Canada net based on his performance in 4 Nations and his playoffs where he gave the Blues plenty of chances to win that series. Hill hasn't helped himself .. Skinner - meh.. Logan Thompson really hasn't helped his cause. The Blues will need to lean more on Hofer for minutes next year - and frankly he's earned it. Based on what we saw this year, the Blues have a very solid one-two punch in the net especially when you consider that coming out of the Olympics means a ton of back to backs. Just like this year.

By the way... the poster mentioned Woll, who can well be a candidate. But don't forget that Anthony Stolarz is a US player too (Jersey kid).

[hockey jedi]

The guy has played way too much hockey this season because he chased a win record, the president's trophy and the 4 nation fiasco....he has to be running on fumes.

Binnington played the same rigorous schedule and he was fine.

[skilles]

The guy has played way too much hockey this season because he chased a win record, the president's trophy and the 4 nation fiasco....he has to be running on fumes.

Binnington played the same rigorous schedule and he was fine.

Yeah I just don't think thats an issue

[onetimedit]

Poor guy, he's awesome but playoffs start and he turns into swiss cheese. What happens between the ears of a goalie.

[bluetunehead]

The guy has played way too much hockey this season because he chased a win record, the president's trophy and the 4 nation fiasco....he has to be running on fumes.

Binnington played the same rigorous schedule and he was fine.

Yeah I just don't think thats an issue

Yeah, between the regular season, postseason (through round 1), and 4 Nations tourney:

Hellebuyck: 73GP
Binnington: 67GP
Oettinger: 66GP
Gustavsson: 65GP

All of these guys were workhorses. Sure Hellebuyck could have skipped one extra game a month I guess, but I don’t think that’s his issue.

[DawgDad]

Blues might kick the tires on Ellis next season, too.

[bluecalgary]

Don’t forget about the kid in Calgary, Wolf. Up for the Calder. Been named top goalie in the league he’s played in 4 of the past 5 years.

Mentioned before Hellebuyck is a lot like Ryan Miller. Very good to excellent in the regular season but come playoff time or extreme pressure games folds up.

[IsDurbanodoingtime]

Don’t forget about the kid in Calgary, Wolf. Up for the Calder. Been named top goalie in the league he’s played in 4 of the past 5 years.

Mentioned before Hellebuyck is a lot like Ryan Miller. Very good to excellent in the regular season but come playoff time or extreme pressure games folds up.

Got a lot of gumption. Needs to recreate his success from the get go to prove he isnt a flash in the pan. A little on the smaller side so will always be in the prove it category and won't be getting the benefit of doubt given to the plus 6 footers.

[skilles]

The guy has played way too much hockey this season because he chased a win record, the president's trophy and the 4 nation fiasco....he has to be running on fumes.

Binnington played the same rigorous schedule and he was fine.

Yeah I just don't think thats an issue

Yeah, between the regular season, postseason (through round 1), and 4 Nations tourney:

Hellebuyck: 73GP
Binnington: 67GP
Oettinger: 66GP
Gustavsson: 65GP

All of these guys were workhorses. Sure Hellebuyck could have skipped one extra game a month I guess, but I don’t think that’s his issue.

I think the issue is he has flaws and teams game plan for that more in the post season.