A star winger's surprising absence fuels debate as Team USA battles Slovakia, while Hellebuyck anchors their medal hopes.
While Winnipeg Jets superstar Kyle Connor made the trip to Milan for the Olympics with Team USA, his role in the tournament has taken an unexpected turn.
Connor opened the Games skating regular minutes in the American lineup, but as the tournament progressed, his ice time began to shrink. After appearing in the first two games, the dynamic winger has not dressed since. He was a healthy scratch in Team USA’s narrow quarterfinal victory over Sweden, a 2-1 result that exposed ongoing scoring concerns.
The decision raised eyebrows as the Americans managed just two goals in the win and have struggled at times to generate consistent offense. Scratching one of the NHL’s most reliable goal scorers in Connor, while continuing to dress depth players who have yet to find the scoresheet, has left many questioning the coaching staff’s approach.
It is a surprising development for a player who has been among the league’s most consistent offensive threats in recent seasons. Connor’s speed and finishing ability would seemingly provide a spark for a team that has endured stretches of offensive drought during the tournament.
A similar storyline has followed Team Canada as the Canadians opted not to include Jets star center Mark Scheifele on their Olympic roster, despite his reputation as one of the NHL’s most prolific Canadian scorers. Canada has also experienced dry spells offensively during the Games, fueling debate about roster construction on both sides of the border.
Whether Connor will draw back into the lineup for the gold medal game or bronze medal contest remains uncertain. What is certain is that the Americans will continue to lean heavily on fellow Jets star Connor Hellebuyck. The reigning Vezina-caliber goaltender once again got the start in the semifinal against Slovakia and has been the backbone of Team USA’s medal push.
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