Connor Hellebuyck Earns 6-1 Victory in Opening Game for Americans

Hellebuyck helps USA to strong start at 4 Nations Face-Off.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck picked up his first win of the 4 Nations Face-off on Thursday night. 

Despite a shaky start, to which the American backstop gave up a goal to Finland just 3:31 into the game, Hellebuyck turned aside everything else that was sent his way, picking up a 6-1 victory to open the tournament.

Named the Team USA starter earlier in the week, the reigning Vezina Trophy winner was rock solid for the Americans, making 20 saves on 21 shots.

USA received two goals apiece from the Tkachuk brothers and both Brady and Matthew chipped in heavily on the offence. Matt Boldy and Jake Guenztel also put up tallies for the red, white and blue. Jets forward Kyle Connor contributed an assist on Boldy's second period, redirection marker.

The Americans put up 32 shots on goal to Finland's 21, while scoring twice on man advantages. They doubled the Finns 32-16 in hits thrown, while turning over just 15 pucks to Finland's 23 turnovers.

Next up for USA is a clash on Saturday night with the Canadians. That game is the second of the day, following Sweden and Finland earlier in the afternoon. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM central time.