Connor Hellebuyck bounced back in spectacular fashion Friday night, leading the Winnipeg Jets to a crucial 4-0 win over the Dallas Stars that evened their second-round playoff series at one game apiece.
It couldn’t have come at a better time for the Jets. Losing both home games to start the series would’ve put them in a really tough spot against a strong Dallas team.
But the real story here isn’t just the win – it’s how Hellebuyck got his groove back.
This was his first playoff shutout since 2021, and boy, did the Jets need it. Their star goalie has had a pretty rough go in recent playoffs, including getting pulled three different times in their first-round series against the St. Louis Blues this year.
The Jets somehow survived that first round, but everyone knew they couldn’t keep winning that way. Not against better teams. Not in the later rounds.
Hellebuyck started showing signs of life in Game 7 against the Blues and even in their Game 1 loss to Dallas. But Friday night? That’s when the old Hellebuyck really showed up.
Let’s be honest – the criticism of his playoff performance has probably gone too far. We’re talking about a guy who’s won the Vezina Trophy twice as the NHL’s best goalie and is probably about to win it again. He’s been so good during regular seasons that he’s even been up for league MVP.
For years, he’s been the reason the Jets have gone further than they probably should have.
But in sports, the biggest stars get judged by what they do in the biggest moments. And until now, Hellebuyck’s playoff resume has had some holes in it.
Here’s the thing about playoff hockey, though – one hot streak can change everything. The Jets helped their goalie out in round one, and now he might be ready to return the favor.
If Friday night’s performance is any indication of what’s coming, the rest of the NHL better watch out. A locked-in Hellebuyck makes the Jets an absolutely terrifying opponent for anyone.
