Hellebuyck's stellar saves propelled the U.S. past Sweden in overtime, securing a semi-final spot. He's now a medal contender.
The United States advanced to the 2026 Winter Olympic Semi-final thanks to a 2-1 overtime victory over Sweden in the quarter-final.
Winnipeg Jets star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck answered the bell on Wednesday, turning aside 28 of the 29 pucks sent his way by the Swedes, helping propel his American teammates for a chance to play for a medal.
Photo by Geoff Burke/USA Today"Unbelievable," said USA forward Matt Boldy post-game. "When you have a guy like that back there, it kind of stems confidence throughout the whole group."
Hellebuyck's .966 save percentage added to his tournament-leading .958 save percentage and his No. 1 overall .098 goals against average.
"We didn't come here for a Olympic medal – we came here for the big one," the league's' reigning Hart, Vezina and Jennings Trophy winner said following the game.
Despite some lacklustre numbers in the postseason last year for Winnipeg, Hellebuyck has proven to be USA's top choice in goal on the national stage. He lost to Canada's Jordan Binnington at the 4 Nations Face-off last winter and will look to help his team to another championship final.
Dylan Larkin and Mika Zibanejad scored in regulation, before Quinn Hughes found the overtime winner for USA on Wednesday afternoon.
Hellebuyck's Jets teammate and fellow Michigan product, Kyle Connor, once again served as a healthy scratch for Team USA - a coach's decision that mirrors what took place in last year's 4 Nations final. Connor is shotless through two Olympic appearances.
Next up for the United States is a semi-final clash with Slovakia on Friday, while Canada will face Finland in the other semi-final. The championship game will feature the winners of those two contests on Sunday morning.