Brossoit’s shutout streak ends just short of team record

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This article was published 21/03/2024 (564 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

NEWARK, N.J. — Take a bow, Laurent Brossoit.

The Winnipeg Jets backup goaltender has been brilliant lately, and he came close to setting a new franchise record for consecutive minutes without giving up a goal.

New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes snapped the shutout streak early in the second period Thursday night, leaving Brossoit seven minutes and 25 seconds shy of setting a new benchmark.

“LB has been great for us. We know the pedigree,” said defenceman Brenden Dillon.

Brossoit ended up going 179 minutes and 40 seconds of action between having the red light go off behind him. Ondrej Pavelec’s mark of 187:05, set in the 2014-15 season, is safe for now.

There was a sense of frustration among the Jets that they didn’t make life a little easier for Brossoit in this latest start. They were outshot 41-19 by the Devils, including 23-9 in a lopsided second period they somehow escaped with a 1-1 tie.

“We can’t make him work that hard. Any goaltender,” said associate coach Scott Arniel.

“We gave up some quality. After they get up a little bit (in the third period), we were still trying to press for offence. We’re known for defending and not giving up much, not giving teams a lot of opportunities at five-on-five. We didn’t do that as well.”

Brossoit had won five consecutive stars prior to facing New Jersey. He’s made 19 overall, going 12-5-2 with a 2.05 goals-against-average and .927 save-percentage. He’s formed quite a one-two punch with Connor Hellebuyck, who has started 50 games and is the favourite right now to win a second Vezina Trophy.

“Last year, the confidence he gained from winning the big trophy (with the Vegas Golden Knights). Him and Helle are really tight off of the ice and they work with (assistant coach Wade Flaherty). They’ve just been ultra-confident for us as a group to have them back there,” said Dillon.

“We definitely needed to do a better job in front of them tonight. But for the most part, this year, we’ve been great defensively. A hiccup like that tonight, we’ve just gotta be better next game.”

Brossoit, 30, is a pending unrestricted free agent this summer who should get no shortage of contract offers from teams looking for either a clear-cut No. 1 starter or, at worst, somehow to platoon with in the top spot.

With 13 games remaining, he’ll at least get a few more starts for the Jets including Sunday’s matinee against the Washington Capitals.

The big question is whether Winnipeg can get him up to 25 appearances, which is the magic number needed to qualify to have your name etched on the Jennings Trophy. The Jets currently have a slim lead over the Florida Panthers for that award, given to the team that surrenders the fewest goals in the regular season.

“You have seen it all year, our goalies have been unbelievable,” said forward Nikolaj Ehlers.

“(Brossoit) has been outstanding. Bucky’s been outstanding. The job they’re doing for us, we’re obviously trying to keep the puck out and not give up big chances. But when we do they they’re pretty good back there.”

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X: @mikemcintyrewpg