(Winnipeg) Connor Hellebuyck doesn’t believe the Winnipeg Jets see themselves as underdogs as they head into their National Hockey League opening round series against the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Jets battled for the final Western Conference playoff berth and will be in Las Vegas on Tuesday for Game 1 of their best-of-seven series against the No. 1 team in the conference.
“You can feel the faith in that locker room. Everyone fights for each other and believes in each other. When you have a team like that, anything is possible,” Hellebuyck said after he skipped the optional Jets practice on Saturday.
The Jets were No. 1 in the Western Conference in January, but struggled after the All-Star Game break. They finished the schedule with a record of 46-33-3, and a record of 5-2-0 in their last seven outings to earn their ticket to the NHL’s spring waltz.
Hellebuyck has been a key part of that winning streak and his teammates have increased confidence knowing the 2020 Vezina Trophy winner will protect the team’s nets.
“Down the stretch he played beautifully. He gave us a chance to win every night. He gave us a chance in tight games, when the offense was struggling, or whatever,” forward Adam Lowry said.
“He gave us the opportunity to get our game back. From the way we’ve looked over the past two weeks, I think we really like where we are now. »
Hellebuyck started 13 straight games before David Rittich took over in the season finale, which the Jets lost 4-2 to the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday.
Hellebuyck completed the schedule with an NHL-high 64 starts and a 37-25-2 record, including four shutouts. His .920 save percentage ranked him fifth in the NHL and he finished 11th with a 2.49 goals-against average.
The Golden Knights finished atop the standings in the West with a 51-22-9 record—their total of 111 points is a team record—and will enter the playoffs having collected at least one point in the standings in their last eight outings (5-0-3).
The Jets lost the three-game series to the Golden Knights this season (0-2-1), but their last meeting — a 6-5 loss at Nevada — was on Dec. 13.
Injuries have forced the Golden Knights to call on five goaltenders this season, and Laurent Brossoit is expected to be sent into the fray in Game 1. He was Hellebuyck’s assistant for three seasons in Winnipeg (2018-2021).
The Port Alberni, B.C., native was undefeated in regulation time this season. He was 7-0-3 in 11 games and had five straight wins to close out the schedule.
The Golden Knights can also count on veteran Jonathan Quick, acquired in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets, the day after another trade in which the Los Angeles Kings traded Quick to the Blue Jackets.
Quick was 5-2-2 in nine starts with the Golden Knights. Logan Thompson could also be available.
The two teams will come to their duel after missing the playoffs last year, and after hiring new head coaches, Rick Bowness of the Jets and Bruce Cassidy of the Golden Knights.
The Jets should be able to count on their best offensive players in anticipation of the series.
Speedy forward Nikolaj Ehlers missed the final game after he was hit by Ryan Hartman of the Minnesota Wild last Tuesday in the Jets’ 3-1 victory to confirm their qualification.
Ehlers didn’t lace up the skates on Saturday, but said he’s ready to play. Bowness said her case was being reassessed daily.
Kyle Connor led the team with 80 points, including 31 goals, in 82 games. Mark Scheifele set a career-high with 42 goals, and he had 68 points in 81 games.
Jack Eichel, making the playoffs for the first time in his career, led the Golden Knights in scoring with 66 points in 67 games, including 27 goals.
Jonathan Marchessault led the team with 28 goals in 76 games and finished the season with 57 points.