Record within Hellebuyck’s reach

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/03/2025 (201 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It was a rare moment of letting his guard down from a stone-faced Winnipeg Jets goaltender who typically protects his thought process as well as he does the net.

Connor Hellebuyck couldn’t help himself when asked by the Free Press on Thursday whether the thought of making some hockey history was something to which he had turned his mind.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t,” Hellebuyck replied.

The two-time Vezina Trophy winner has 38 wins through 50 starts this season and is now 10 away from tying the all-time mark in a single year which is co-owned by Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils and Braden Holtby of the Washington Capitals.

“It’s not like I’m focused on it, but I definitely see it. It would be cool to achieve that,” Hellebuyck continued.

“If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. It’s one of those things where it would be cool to do it and maybe achieve that, but it’s not my singular focus. It’s definitely something you look at, but it’s really not my focus right now. Right now I’m just taking it day-by-day.”

It’s going to take an epic finish to set a new benchmark, but it’s certainly not out of the question. The Jets have 16 regular season games remaining, and Hellebuyck is a good bet to start at least 12 of them including Friday night’s game against the Dallas Stars.

Hellebuyck is six victories away from matching his own franchise-record of 44, which he set in 2017-18, and that record seems sure to be re-written.

Not only is Hellbuyck a runaway favourite to win the Vezina for a third time, he’s likely going to garner plenty of Hart Trophy votes as most valuable player in the league. With a 1.99 goals-against-average and .927 save-percentage, he is essentially lapping his peers in every measurable category.

Not that Hellebuyck wanted to spend much time discussing personal achievements. The ultimate prize is a Stanley Cup, something he continues to be laser-focused on winning. This appears to be his best chance yet with a first-place club that is 45-17-4 so far.

“I just think we’re a really good team. Things are really consistent. And I’ve always said when things are consistent that’s when my best hockey comes out,” said Hellebuyck.

“That being said they’re making my life pretty easy. I can see pucks and the majority of the shots are outside and we’re keeping our Grade As down to a minimum. And when I’m called upon, I’m ready. And when I am called upon it’s consistent. It’s usually the same type of chances and the same things and I can see them develop and I can get ahead of them. It’s a lot of fun playing behind these guys and I think everyone in this locker room is having a lot of fun playing the way we are.”

Hellebuyck was happy with the two newest trade additions as forward Brandon Tanev and defenceman Luke Schenn are known for physical play, penalty killing prowess and shot-blocking ability. Schenn made his debut on Tuesday and led all players with five hits and five blocks, including a couple key ones in the waning minutes of a 2-1 victory.

“He’s a big man. Very physical, and he blocks a lot of shots. So, yeah, that’s very exciting,” said Hellebuyck.

“That being said, it takes a whole team to win a Cup. That’s our goal here, and I look forward to every single guy in here pitching in and continuing to grow our game into the playoffs.”

Hellebuyck was back to his usual defensive self when asked if playing against American teammates from the 4 Nations Face-Off such as Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger is extra special. He’s also seen the likes of J.T. Miller, Vincent Trocheck, Chris Kreider and Jaccob Slavin in games earlier this week.

“No, I’m kind of sticking to myself, just getting back into my own swing of things and making sure this team is going in the right direction and winning every single game. And for that I’ve really got to focus on myself and focus on the team,” said Hellebuyck.

Fair enough. Another question about whether Friday’s game against the Stars had a little extra meat on the bone given the high hockey stakes was similarly swatted away.

“Every day is just another day,” he replied.

“Just taking it the same way I would any other team. I never go into a game expecting to bring an even better performance because I want my best performance every single night. That being said, it is a divisional (game) and might mean a little bit more, but for me I still want that shutout and I still want that win, so things don’t really change a whole lot.”

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg