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Can an Olympic gold medal change Connor Hellebuyck’s big-game reputation?
Would the image of Hellebuyck with an Olympic gold medal slung around his neck be enough to rewrite his legacy? Erick W. Rasco / Sports Illustrated via Getty Images
MILAN — Connor Hellebuyck looks angry. Like, all the time. There’s just something about that steely glare, the way his eyebrows dip in the middle, the way the tiny muscles at the corners of his mouth don’t seem capable of going up. This is a very serious man.
So it’s almost jarring to hear Hellebuyck use a word like “fun.” It’s akin to someone rapidly speaking in an unfamiliar language dropping in a name you recognize. Wait, did I just hear that right?
Mike Sullivan, Team USA putting their faith in Connor Hellebuyck as men’s hockey tournament reaches knockout stage
MILAN — United States men’s hockey coach Mike Sullivan has said he likes all three goalies on his roster. He would feel comfortable playing any one of them in this tournament.
Connor Hellebuyck is playing like he’s the one and only.
The reigning Vezina Trophy winner and NHL MVP enters the knockout rounds of the Winter Olympics leading in save percentage (.952) and goals-against average (1.00). His opening-round numbers were nearly identical to those of Canada’s Jordan Binnington (.950, 1.00), who has fans up there crowing about his capabilities in big games.
Meanwhile, Hellebuyck is trying to erase doubts. Heading into the Games, the former UMass Lowell stopper was as much of a question mark as someone with his considerable accolades could be.
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Connor Hellebuyck gives Team USA goalie edge in battle vs. Sweden
MILAN — Team USA’s inextricable advantage in these Olympics, and certainly over Team Sweden in Wednesday’s quarterfinal, resides in their net.
Connor Hellebuyck is having a down year for the Winnipeg Jets. You wouldn’t know it based on his play for Team USA so far in this tournament.
“He’s a gamer. I believe in him and no one else I’d want to have in the net than him,” Dylan Larkin said of Hellebuyck, who will almost assuredly start the rest of the way for the Americans. “I learned quickly last year at 4 Nations, giving up a big chance or something happens and you’re like, ‘Oh, we got that guy.’ It’s nice when you have that.”
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