Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has faced his fair share of criticism throughout his career and most recently after the Jets' early exit in the playoffs last year for "crumbling" under the pressure of big games.
Hellebuyck was named USA's No.1 goaltender at the 4 Nations Face-Off, and they were going to live and die by his performances. The decision paid off for USA HC Mike Sullivan, as Hellebuyck was elite from start to finish. In three starts, the 31-year-old finished with a 2-1-0 record, posting a .932 SV% and a 1.59 GAA.
Although the stats look great, Hellebuyck followed it up by coming up with clutch saves.
In the tournament opener, the Jets netminder let in a weak shot to give Finland a 1-0 lead but quickly shut the door en route to a 6-1 win. Against Canada in the round-robin, Hellebuyck allowed just one goal on 26 shots. In the final, a rematch against Canada, Hellebuyck once again did everything in his power to keep the Americans in it.
The Americans outshot the Canadians 33-27 and carried the play in the third period and overtime, but Canada was timely with their chances. Nathan MacKinnon's icebreaker was a shot that found the top corner through a maze of bodies. Sam Bennett's was another shot placed with pinpoint accuracy and Connor McDavid, the leagues best player was left wide open in the slot and put everything he had into the shot.
Ultimately, Hellebuyck won't be happy with the result. No player wants to lose any game, let alone the most highly anticipated final between the USA and Canada. No amount of praise he'll receive will make him feel any better about the loss, but the steps Hellebuyck needed to take to prove to himself and others that he can be the goaltender to get the Jets to where they want to be were there.
The two-time Vezina Trophy winner already had an abundance of confidence, but his performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off should only increase it.
Stay updated with the most interesting Jets stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.
The Hockey News - Jets Goaltender Bounces Back After "Leaky" Start To Kick Off USA's 4 Nations Face-Off
Team USA would go on to win their tournament opener 6-1 over Finland, but it began with a bit of nervousness from the Winnipeg Jets' netminder Connor Hellebuyck.