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Winnipeg Jets Season Review: The American Hero

By Kyle McCarthy

LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 16: Connor Hellebuyck #37 of the Winnipeg Jets allows a second-period goal to James Neal (not pictured) #18 of the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on May 16, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 16: Connor Hellebuyck #37 of the Winnipeg Jets allows a second-period goal to James Neal (not pictured) #18 of the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on May 16, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images) /
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Before this season, the Winnipeg Jets were a fringe contender for a Wild Card spot. When half the league makes the playoffs, it’s hard not to be. But the youngsters decided they would do one better, and they were lead by a fierce goaltender.

The Winnipeg Jets handed out a two year, $8mm contract to Steve Mason before the season. He could hold down the fort until one of the youngsters took over, and be a nice little 1A-1B combo.

An overpay? Sure, but not ridiculously so. Especially for a fresh, new starting goaltender. Unfortunately, you know how things went.

Not unfortunately (if only there was a word for that), a hero emerged from the bench. A true, American hero. And his name was Connor Hellebuyck.

I know I overplay the American hero bit for Connor, (as Dustin Byfuglien, Blake Wheeler, Jacob Trouba and Kyle Connor are all Americans), but I went with it and I’m sticking with it.

You know the story by now. Connor Hellebuyck, solid prospect and former fifth round pick, was on the fringe of the NHL starting goalie pool. He started 26 and 53 games the prior two seasons, posting mediocre results.

Well, Mason was bad, then hurt, and the Jets needed Helly. He responded by leading the league in games, wins, minutes, and your love. That included a record 44 wins by an American.

The Jets believed in him, yes, but wanted to push him. And give him someone who could A) Take the weight off of hi and play half the games if need be, and B) Capably start should Hellebuyck have a repeat of the previous season (.907 save percentage, 2.89 GAA).

Well, Mason was bad, then hurt, and the Jets needed Helly. He responded by leading the league in games, wins, minutes, and your love. That included a record 44 wins by an American (hence the hero).

His .924 save percentage was a huge step up and he finished as the runner up for the Vezina trophy. And he lost to the man he dispatched (and outplayed) in the Western Conference Semifinals, Pekka Rinne.

The Winnipeg Jets are a Wild Card contender without Hellebuyck breaking through. The offense and defense are pluses. With a Vezina finalist backing them up, they are a Stanley Cup contender.

Next: The Beard of the Franchise

Looking forward, I hope for more of the same from Connor, but you know these outlier goalie performances do happen. Let’s hope that’s not our boy, though.

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