It wasn’t the result the vast majority of Jetsland wanted, but the Jets’ netminder was the star of the show in the gold medal game. Much has been said about his performance in big games but he answered the bell in what was an incredible Olympic hockey tournament. A few thoughts on his performance:
Starting with the right mindset
You need a certain mentality when it comes to a winner take all game in a best-on-best tournament final. Helle told reporters "every step [he] took [he] felt right" as he was preparing for the game. That level of confidence showed in his positioning in the crease and reactions to some of his early saves. After his fifth high intensiety game in less than two weeks, you would understand if he started to fade physically as the shot total went up. All told, he made 41 saves (and an assist) in the gold medal game through overtime. His ultra competitive nature and determination didn't let him fade though and Helle lead team USA to their first gold medal in 46 years, and first with National Hockey League participation.
The clutch saves kept coming
The save no one will forget came on Devon Toews early in the third period. A pass came through from Mitch Marner for what looked like a Toews tap in. Hellebuyck made a skate save but the puck sat free in the crease. Toews took another stab at it but in an acrobatic position, Helle reacted instantly and made an unbelievable paddle save. It kept the game at 1-1 but the Canadian pressure would not relent. Other moments like the 5-on-3 in the second period, the McDavid and Celebrini breakaways, and the final power play at the end of regulation showed Helle is capable of being the best goaltender in the world when the lights are brightest. Connor McDavid won the MVP award for the tournament and was clearly the best player to lace up the skates in Milan. But Helle made all the difference when it mattered most. There were so many moments it seemed the Canadians would break through, but Hellebuyck stood tall again and again.
Coming back to Winnipeg
Jets fans will no doubt be wondering where this performance was in the playoffs last season with a Presidents' Trophy winning lineup to complement him. If anything, this will give Hellebuyck the moment he needed to prove to himself he can come through when the pressure peaks. The Jets aren't going to reach the postseason in 2026, but Helle is under contract through 2031. He is the guy that can carry Winnipeg to another playoff opportunity. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff needs to play the trade deadline the right way and be aggressive in the offseason. Helle deserves some reinforcements to make a run again with the current Jets core. Now that he's been to the top of the mountain in the Olympics, he'll be that much more hungry to do it in a Jets uniform.
The Jets are back in action Wednesday night against last-place Vancouver, but their goalie has earned a few extra days off.