Hellebuyck performing at elite level

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This article was published 11/11/2024 (542 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

NEW YORK — Just over a week ago, Connor Hellebuyck stood inside the Winnipeg Jets dressing room and calmly detailed why he felt a clear goalie interference call had been missed.

The frustration was evident and it sounded like Hellebuyck had a few things he wanted to get off his chest.

At the end of that session with reporters, Hellebuyck fielded a question about all of the offensive support he had been getting and he emphasized the need to stay ready for when he was going to be called upon to be a little busier.

In the three games after Hellebuyck’s session with reporters, he posted two shutouts and was 82 seconds away from posting a third.

For his efforts, Hellebuyck was named the NHL’s first star on Monday morning.

It took a perfect high-slot redirection from Roope Hintz at the end of a Dallas Stars’ power play to push the puck through a five-hole that likely would have been covered had Hellebuyck not lost his goal stick earlier in the sequence.

“We would like to have that one back, but sometimes they go in,” said Jets forward Vladislav Namestnikov. “Stuff happens.”

If turning aside 88 of 89 shots on goal he faced wasn’t impressive enough, the cumulative impact on his stats for the season is enough to leave plenty of experienced observers scratching their heads.

“It’s awesome what he does every night. You almost take it for granted at times,” said Jets head coach Scott Arniel. “He’s elite.”

Heading into Tuesday’s matchup with the New York Rangers at Madison Square Gardens that opens a three-game road trip, Hellebuyck is leading the NHL in most categories — including wins (11), shutouts (three), save percentage (.935) and he’s second in goals against average (1.83), though he’s first among starters.

He’s also tied for second in goals saved above average, according to Money Puck, with Rangers puck-stopper Igor Shesterkin at 7.2.

Those two all-world netminders should be on the marquee on Broadway for what should be a fun battle between Vezina Trophy winners.

Hellebuyck remains one of the busiest goalies in the NHL, but there have been a few blocks of rest available for him to stay fresh.

The Jets are about to open a stretch that will see them play eight of the next 10 games on the road, with the first back-to-back appearing at the end of next weekend.

Eric Comrie could see his fourth start of the campaign as early as Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, then he will either get the Pittsburgh Penguins or Nashville Predators when the Jets play on consecutive days the following weekend.

Getting Comrie to five starts before the Jets hit the quarter mark is smart business. It’s essential, actually.

While there could be some temptation to keep riding Hellebuyck, that could prove to be problematic in the long term.

The 4 Nations Face-Off will place another 4-6 games into Hellebuyck’s plate and those are high-leverage games, so keeping him around 60-63 starts with the Jets is probably the optimal number goalie whisperer Wade Flaherty has in mind.

“It’s awesome what he does every night. You almost take it for granted at times. He’s elite.”–Head coach Scott Arniel

Along with the incredible numbers Hellebuyck has been posting, his ability to stay sharp even on the nights he hasn’t faced a lot of high volume or high-danger chances is turning heads.

The Jets haven’t subjected Hellebuyck to many outings where he’s simply had to steal the show, with one glaring exception coming last Thursday in the 1-0 win over the Colorado Avalanche.

That one was all Hellebuyck, all the time — especially over the final two periods when the Avalanche held a decisive edge in shots on goal and high-danger chances.

Hellebuyck is no stranger to being under siege during his time with the Jets, but one of the reasons the Jets are off to the best start in NHL history at 14-1 is their commitment to defending over the past several seasons has helped make life a lot easier for their No. 1 netminder.

When Hellebuyck knows where the puck is coming from, it significantly reduces the chances of pucks getting past him.

“He’s making incredible saves,” said Jets forward Alex Iafallo. “It’s pretty fun to watch.”

There was a time not long ago when Hellebuyck flourished in high volume games — he showed on Thursday he can still deliver under those circumstances when called upon.

The Jets don’t want to revert to their old ways of playing without the puck. They’ve worked hard to become a stingy team to play against.

That Hellebuyck has been able to thrive under these new circumstances is a compliment to him and his ability to evolve.

By recording the 40th shutout of his career against the Avalanche, Hellebuyck has now secured two-thirds of the goalie triple crown — having hit 500 games earlier this season.

The final piece of that triumvirate could be achieved later this season as he needs 14 wins to hit 300 for his career.

Hellebuyck recognizes the ultimate legacy building moments occur during the Stanley Cup playoffs, but what he’s doing to pad his resume in the regular season is something to behold.

Since becoming the full-time starter early in the 2016-17 season, Hellebuyck has provided top-notch goaltending the bulk of that time.

Hellebuyck wasn’t happy with the way last season ended and he spent the summer working on ways to get better.

“He’s making incredible saves. It’s pretty fun to watch.”–Teammate Alex Iafallo

He’s passed every test with flying colours so far and he’s not the complacent type.

That’s part of the reason the Jets signed Hellebuyck and fellow franchise cornerstone Mark Scheifele to matching seven-year contract extensions last October that are worth US$59.5 million and carry an AAV of US$8.5 million.

With Shesterkin reportedly looking for an AAV north of US$11 million in his next deal, Hellebuyck is providing outstanding value right now.

Although Father Time remains undefeated, that’s a potential concern for well down the road.

Hellebuyck, 31, still looks like someone in the heart of his prime.

His attention to detail was evident as he explained a save he made on Avalanche D-man Cale Makar after an initial chance for Devon Toews from the slot.

“I had my hands in front of me and my core was activated,” said Hellebuyck. “When I made eye contact with that puck I had a really good jump and I had all my weight moving that way and was able to get my blocker down as well.”

Hellebuyck doesn’t really like letting reporters behind the velvet rope very often when it comes to his process, but when he does, the conversation can be quite revealing.

It’s also a reminder what folks are witnessing is truly something to behold and wouldn’t be happening without Hellebuyck’s incredible commitment to the craft.

ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca

X: @WiebesWorld