The Vezina Trophy and MVP finalist version of Connor Hellebuyck showed up for the Winnipeg Jets in Game 2 against the Dallas Stars on Friday, as the netminder posted a 21-save shutout to help his club even the series at 1-1.
Hellebuyck believes the performance restored his confidence after a nightmare start to the playoffs.
"Well, now it's locked in," Hellebuyck said of his mindset, per Sportsnet. "We broke it down to build it back together. I like where it's at, and I like where the team's playing. I'm really excited for the series. It's been fun."
The clean sheet is the fourth of Hellebuyck's playoff career, and first since 2021. In the 24 contests between those shutouts, he was 8-16 with a .877 save percentage.
Hellebuyck has been under immense pressure to perform against the Stars after being pulled three times in the Jets' first-round series against the St. Louis Blues. The netminder allowed three goals on 24 shots in a Game 1 loss to Dallas, but was named first star for his efforts Friday.
The Stars controlled 60.02% of expected goals in the contest and fired 14 high-danger chances Hellebuyck's way in all situations, according to Natural Stat Trick.
Hellebuyck led the league with 47 wins and eight shutouts this season while posting a sparkling .925 save percentage and 2.00 goals against average. He's a virtual lock to win the Vezina Trophy for the second year in a row.
While Friday's win could be a building block for Hellebuyck, Game 3 in Dallas will be a big test. Hellebuyck is 0-3 on the road in these playoffs with 16 goals against and a .758 save percentage.
The series resumes Sunday afternoon.
