Connor Hellebuyck made an immediate impression in his new colours, stopping 16 of 17 shots as the New Jersey Devils beat the Dallas Stars 5-1 on Tuesday night in his debut for the club.
Connor Hellebuyck (Credits: ESPN)
The three-time Vezina Trophy winner started just four days after being traded by the Winnipeg Jets, following his suspension for failing to report to training camp. It was his first win since a 3-2 decision on April 9 in St. Louis — and a statement start to his Devils career.
Connor Hellebuyck Wins Devils Debut Against Stars
Captain Nico Hischier led the offence with two goals, scoring at 2:41 of the first period and again just 38 seconds into the second. Dallas challenged for goaltender interference against Timo Meier on the first goal, but the challenge was denied. Hischier now has a team-high seven goals this season.
Jesper Boqvist made it 3-0 midway through the second period. Justin Hryckowian pulled one back for Dallas with a deflection at 16:08 of the second, but Luke Hughes answered just 28 seconds later to restore the three-goal cushion. Jack Hughes added the final goal in the third period, with both Hughes brothers finishing with a goal and an assist.
Hellebuyck, for his part, credited the team in front of him after the game, praising a low shot count, blocked shots and a defence that kept everything to the outside and let him see the puck — a perfect game, in his words, to work through a little rust.
What Hellebuyck’s Debut Means for New Jersey
The win extended New Jersey’s winning streak to four games and snapped Dallas’ five-game winning run. It was also a season high in goals against the Stars, who entered play leading the NHL with a 1.68 goals-against average.
For Hellebuyck, the debut answers the first question about his fresh start: after missing Winnipeg’s entire training camp during his holdout, could he step straight in and win? On this evidence, yes — with the Devils now heading to Colorado on Wednesday to continue a road back-to-back.
Also Read: Rays Steal World Series Game 4 From Brewers in 12th-Inning Rally to Force Game 5 | England Out of Tri-Series After Sri Lanka Thrash Pakistan by 8 Wickets in Lahore
Source: ESPN — read the full story there.
