Connor Hellebuyck says he’ll be better

Connor Hellebuyck is having a tough time in the playoffs, but not just this year, in his entire career.

My colleague Raphael Simard wrote an article yesterday about his setbacks during the spring dance, and it’s not pretty…

It’s not complicated, Hellebuyck, as good as he is, isn’t able to perform when it counts, apart from the 2018 series where he had been very good.

But a playoff run seven years ago doesn’t justify a career of playoff despair.

Today, we found out who the three finalists are for the Vézina Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper, and obviously Hellebuyck is one of them, because in season, he’s always incredible.

The other two finalists are Darcy Kuemper and Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Logically, the Winnipeg Jets goalkeeper should win it.

But in the NHL, it’s not just about getting to the playoffs, it’s also about performing when you’re there, and Hellebuyck has a lot of trouble with that.

Regarding his poor performance in the 2025 playoffs, Hellebuyck made it clear that he must and will be better.

Jets goalie Hellebuyck expects to bounce back in Game 5: ‘I am going to be better ‘ https://t.co/AKqWcMjcMx

– CTV News Winnipeg (@ctvwinnipeg) April 28, 2025

It’s a familiar saying, but now it’s time for the boots to follow the chops.

If there’s one goaltender who has what it takes to make a comeback, it’s Hellebuyck.

With a 2.00 goals-against average this season and a 0.925 save percentage (both personal bests), he has what it takes to help the Jets get past the St. Louis Blues.

“I’ve studied goaltending a lot. I’m probably the one who’s studied it the most in the world, so I know what I need to do and how to deliver my best performances.” – Connor Hellebuyck

To be confident, he is. Confidence is very important, but coming from a goalkeeper who’s known to crumble under pressure, those are big words.

“You don’t win 47 games and come into the playoffs and change everything. I know what I have to do. I like a lot of things [in what I do]. I’m not going to make any big changes.

One thing’s for sure: Hellebuyck knows where he’s going, and the Jets can only hope he bounces back next game.

They’ll need it.

In a row

– Good news for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Brandon Hagel returns to the Lightning’s lineup for Game 4 after serving his one-game suspension

Watch Lightning vs. Panthers at 7pm ET on Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/2rNuYfSxiJ

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 28, 2025

– Read on.

He’s absolutely right. https://t.co/x10A13wK6j

– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) April 28, 2025

– It didn’t take long for the Quebecer to make his presence felt.

Circuit d’Edouard Julien sur le premier lancer du matchpic.twitter.com/8bht9PJ895

– Alexandre Pratt (@alexandrepratt) April 28, 2025

– Incredible, all the same.

Oilers Grade A shots +/- playoffs:
Forwards
29: +17
97: +16
18: +12
90: +10
93: +7
92: +7
33: +5
19: +4
53: +2
91: +2
28:+1
21: +1
13: -1
Defence
2: +11
96: +5
36: 0
27: 0
25: -7
49: -8

– David Staples (@dstaples) April 28, 2025

– What a guest of honor!

Janette Bertrand is guest of honor at Place Bell for the last home game of the season! pic.twitter.com/HF5qi4pWCI

– RDS (@RDSca) April 28, 2025