Hellebuyck focuses on positives, out to reverse playoff fortunes for Jets

[Spyro Gyra]

Vezina-winning goalie has 2-8 record over past two playoffs

WINNIPEG – Connor Hellebuyck hesitated briefly before answering.

The Winnipeg Jets goalie was asked about being considered the third-best goalie in the League in the NHL Players’ Association Poll and if his lack of Stanley Cup Playoff success is a reason for that.

“You know, we’ve done some great things this year. We don’t need to go look at all the bad things that other people’s opinions have on us,” he said Thursday. “I would say let’s ask questions about how our details are and how’s this team feeling, what’s right and what’s going well in this room.

“A lot of those questions are answered through our game every single day. Our details are phenomenal. We played every single game as hard as we can. Our compete level is very, very high every single night. I really believe in this group and look forward to the next couple months.”

It’s probably frustrating for Hellebuyck to discuss his playoff struggles but it’s also a topic that’s hard to avoid. The 31-year-old has been an absolute star in the regular season, winning the Vezina Trophy as the best goalie in the NHL in 2019-20 and last season – and likely to win it against this year – but the playoffs have been another story.

He’s 18-27 with a 2.85 goals-against average, .911 save percentage and three shutouts in 45 starts.

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A quick goal or two Saturday would be huge for the Blues. Get the negative wheels turning in Hellebuyck's head. Blues can do this.

[dhsux]

A quick goal or two Saturday would be huge for the Blues. Get the negative wheels turning in Hellebuyck's head. Blues can do this.

No doubt that would be sweet. Early goals just huge in the play offs.

But personally I'm not counting on Helly with a poor performance. As said in the article he played really well in the 4 Nations pressure cooker.

Just how good he will be? We'll see.

But the Blues are going to need a strong goal saving game from JB no matter what Hellybuck is doing.

From there it's team D. Team scoring across the lines. Team everything.