MILAN
Connor Hellebuyck, the goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets, has stood between the posts during seven of the last eight NHL playoffs. That’s a lot of pressure and significant moments for any player.
It’s not necessarily about a Stanley Cup being at stake; it’s more about the situation’s weight. The Jets have missed the first round—or qualifying—four times in those playoffs, and Hellebuyck has carried a heavy load as the franchise’s starting goalie.
Interestingly, he holds a disheartening record of 1-9 in his last 10 road playoff games dating back to 2021. While his regular-season save percentage of .917 from 2022 until now is impressive, it drops to .872 during the playoffs in that timeframe.
One particularly memorable moment for Hellebuyck was during Game 6 of the Jets’ first-round series against the Blues last year. After a rough stretch—being pulled in Game 4 and sitting on the bench at the start of Game 3 after letting in 5 goals on 23 shots in 40 minutes—his ability to handle pressure in the NHL has been in question.
But when Hellebuyck returned to international play, he seemed to regain his confidence, showing everyone why he’s considered America’s top goaltender. With a match against Canada looming on Sunday for the gold medal, he’ll need to maintain that momentum.
When asked about his confidence after the fifth game of his first Olympics—where he stopped 90 out of 95 shots—Hellebuyck’s demeanor shifted. “Yeah, the best ever,” he noted, actually smiling in a press scrum after making 22 saves against Slovakia. “I’m really enjoying this. This is fun. I couldn’t be more involved. I’m going to enjoy every second of it here.”
The 32-year-old currently leads the Olympic Games with a .947 save percentage and a 1.23 goals against average. Up to this point, he has been sharp and reliable. But after letting in two third-period goals against Slovakia, he humorously remarked, “I was a little bored there and it cost me a goal,” reflecting his lighter mood heading into the gold medal game against Canada.
His American teammates have noted his calm presence in goal. It’s this sort of demeanor that the U.S. team needs to succeed. Matthew Tkachuk remarked, “He’s great. He’s been great year after year. Even back to last year’s 4 Nations, he’s been like a brick wall. Everything that hits him seems to stick. Probably the biggest asset is the confidence he gives us. We’re excited to have him behind us in the gold medal game.”
2026 Winter Olympics
It’s worth noting that Hellebuyck is among only 13 goaltenders in NHL history who have won three Vezina trophies, joining legends like Patrick Roy and Glenn Hall. Additionally, only eight goaltenders have captured the Hart Trophy, and he stands as one of three to have done so in this century.
Yet, playoff failures have often eclipsed his achievements in his 11-year NHL career. This upcoming game could change that narrative.
It’s been 46 years since an American claimed gold in men’s hockey, a feat famously dubbed the “miracle on ice.” Moreover, Canada boasts a 4-1 record against the U.S. in Olympic tournaments featuring NHL players. Team USA has yet to defeat Canada in significant matchups.
As the final barrier in defense, Hellebuyck might just have a chance to cement his legacy as an American hero. Suddenly, the challenge of the NHL playoffs doesn’t seem so unapproachable.
