The Winnipeg Jets have been the best team in the NHL through the first two months of the regular season, with an impressive 18-6 record that has them leading both the Central Division and the overall standings.
While the Jets’ success is a collective effort, the contributions of goalie Connor Hellebuyck cannot be overstated. Widely regarded as one of the top goaltenders in the league, Hellebuyck’s exceptional performance to start the 2024-2025 season earned him the NHL’s Third Star of the Month for November.
According to NHL PR, “Hellebuyck led the league in wins, posting an 8-2-0 record with a 2.10 goals-against average, a .931 save percentage, and two shutouts in 10 starts, helping the Jets maintain first place in the standings. He also ranked among the top goaltenders in several categories for November, including shutouts (t-1st; 2), save percentage (3rd; .931), saves (5th; 282), shots against (6th; 303), and goals-against average (7th; 2.10).”
One of Hellebuyck’s standout achievements was his franchise-record shutout streak of 191 minutes and 47 seconds, which spanned parts of four games. This streak included back-to-back shutouts against the Utah Hockey Club and Colorado Avalanche.
Hellebuyck’s performance this season has been worthy of Vezina Trophy consideration. He has started 18 of the Jets’ 24 games, posting a 15-3 record while allowing four goals or fewer in 16 of those starts. With a 2.11 GAA and a .928 save percentage, he currently holds the second-lowest GAA in the NHL. If he maintains this level of play, it will mark a career-best performance for the 31-year-old.
With Hellebuyck’s stellar play in goal, the Jets remain the team to beat in both the Western Conference and the NHL. They are likely to continue being one of the league’s top teams for the remainder of the season.
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