Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has been named Team USA's starter for their opening game of the 4 Nations Face-Off against Finland.
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has been named Team USA's starter for their opening game of the 4 Nations Face-Off against Finland.
It's not surprising to see Hellebuyck get the nod but with the depth Team USA have in goal, Jeremy Swayman or Jake Oettinger would have been just as deserving.
Hellebuyck's only experience playing with Team USA at the international level has come from the World Championship. He's played in the event three times, posting a .942 SV% and a 1.59 GAA in 10 games. The level of competition at the World Championship and what's expected at the 4 Nations Face-Off is quite different.
Finland are dealing with several injuries in their defence, and it's why they are the least favoured to win the tournament, but their forward group remain strong. Headlined by captain Aleksander Barkov, the Finns will ice Mikko Rantanen, Sebastian Aho, Patrik Laine, Roope Hintz and Artturi Lehkonen.
The Americans have the best goaltending group and the best defensive group, despite Vancouver Canucks' Quinn Hughes pulling out of the tournament just days before due to an injury.
A lot of pressure will be placed on Hellebuyck, but he's shown countless times that he is the best goaltender in the NHL.
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