Hellebuyck has everyone’s hopes up

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This article was published 05/12/2015 (3573 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

He’s played 184 minutes and 40 seconds in the National Hockey League, a total of three games plus a few minutes of overtime. But there’s little doubt the consensus from Winnipeg Jets fans is the No. 1 guy in net should be Connor Hellebuyck, today, tomorrow — and most likely for many days to come.

Such is life in professional sports, a business where it doesn’t matter what you’ve done, but what you’ve done lately that matters. And lately, Hellebuyck has started to make a case for a regular spot on a team, which to compete within a tough Central Division, needs to get the best from its goalie night in and night out.

That theory has never been tested more than Saturday afternoon, with Hellebuyck called upon to give the Jets a fighting chance against a high-powered Washington Capitals team that entered the game winners of six straight. It’s safe to say he passed, putting together a 37-save performance in a 2-1 overtime win that showed flashes of brilliance by the 22-year-old that often brought the 15,000-strong at the MTS Centre to their feet.

The question at this point is how will the Jets handle their present situation, one that sees No. 1 Ondrej Pavelec expected to be out until the middle of January and young netminder Michael Hutchinson. The process in nurturing a new goalie isn’t a new one, especially for the Jets. They experienced a similar situation last season with Hutchinson, whose play helped resurrect a team that had stumbled out of the gate, followed by a performance by Pavelec down the stretch that ultimately earned them a berth in the post-season. Perhaps that knowledge will help Jets coach Paul Maurice plan for the future when it comes to best utilizing Hellebuyck.

“First, you never want to limit a player and what he’s capable of doing,” he said. “He’s played well in his games and he’ll continue to do that. We’ve liked what we’ve seen with Connor, we’re going to do everything we can to keep him in that groove.”

Hellebuyck is a perfect 3-0 this season and has allowed just one goal in each of his games. In addition to the win over the Capitals, his resume includes victories over the Minnesota Wild (3-1) and Toronto Maple Leafs (6-1). But Saturday was surely his biggest test, facing the likes of superstars Alexander Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie, all of whom possess the ability to make even the best goalies look mediocre. Saturday, his lone blemish in an otherwise smooth outing came in the second period when Backstrom finished on the power play. It wasn’t a goal you’ll see on highlight reels; Hellebuyck had a clear view of the shot, which snuck under his arm.

“The one thing you notice right away is how calm he is for a young guy,” said Jets defenceman Tyler Myers. “All the guys will tell you they think he’s the real deal.”

jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @jeffkhamilton