Winnipeg Jets: Connor Hellebuyck’s Slow Start Isn’t Troubling Yet
The Winnipeg Jets became surprise contenders last season, mostly on the strength of finding a franchise goaltender. Now the Jets are mediocre and, surprise, he’s been a liability.
The Winnipeg Jets need Connor Hellebuyck to show more flashes of last season if they’re going to contend. And I wrote about his first start, which was really great. Best start of the season for him, sadly.
Then he got blown apart by the Dallas Stars. Connor Hellebuyck has had three quality starts this season. He’s had nine starts total. And even his other two good starts weren’t exceptional, although that’s not really his fault.
He can only save the pucks that come his way. So far he hasn’t stopped enough, however. His .907% save percentage would’ve been a low for any month last season. The 3.00 GAA, as well.
While he’s struggled, the teams worries on defense (they haven’t done him quite nearly as many favors as they did last season) and on offense, he’s mostly evaded criticism.
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After all of the concerns about him replicating last season people seemed to have, they haven’t really been voicing the “I told you sos” yet. Which, I think, is nice, since it’s still early.
He could make another ~50 starts this season. Six bad ones aren’t going to define his season. But I need to see more flashes of Hellebuyck from last season.
Last year, he was the bright spot. Starter Steve Mason wasn’t cutting it, and Connor stepped right up. He was the biggest reason for their big start last year.
And how he’s helping hold them back. He’s not the only one, don’t get me wrong. But you can’t blame the defense when you keep seeing Laurent Brossoit throw up gems. Three games, three great starts for Brossoit.
Yes, he faced Carolina, Arizona and Detroit. But Carolina’s been fantastic this season (surprisingly). Hellebuyck got blown apart by Dallas and St. Louis, who are bad. And he’s just been mediocre.
I want to see him throw up a dominant start against a rock solid opponent, just to get some courage. I’m not saying to play Brossoit more. But yeah, he’s earning starts in the future.
Hellebuyck can’t play like this the whole season and keep his job. Plain and simple. The Jets aren’t giving up on him, but they can’t keep running him out there like this. Thankfully, I have full faith he can’t play this poorly for that long.
Will he play as well as he did last season? I don’t know. I doubt it. That was a truly great season, and I don’t think anyone would be shocked if it ended up being his best.
Now, I hope that’s not the case, and we know he has the talent to be that good for long, long stretches. He’s a talented goalie. This isn’t an Andrew Hammond situation.
dark. Next. The NFL Meets the Winnipeg Jets
Connor Hellebuyck will get at least one, if not both, of these upcoming starts in Finland. It better not be another clunker.