Winnipeg Jets have tapped goaltender Laurent Brossoit to defend their goalposts in an upcoming clash against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday evening. This pivotal encounter will not only be a test of Brossoit’s skills against his former team — the very side he backed on their journey to their inaugural Stanley Cup — but it will also serve as a breather for the team’s primary goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck.
After a stellar run in the 2019-20 season, which saw him clinch the Vezina Trophy and another commendable performance last season, Hellebuyck has encountered a rocky start this time around. His current record stands at 1-2, with a slightly troubling 4.38 goals-against average and a save percentage of .843.
Having recently secured a seven-year extension with the Jets, Hellebuyck’s performance has raised eyebrows, especially after conceding four or more goals in his last three appearances. A particularly challenging night was the game against the Los Angeles Kings where he let in five goals. However, it’s crucial to note that Hellebuyck faced similar challenges last season but managed to bounce back impressively. The game against the Kings saw him victimized by defensive lapses, leading to goals from turnovers.
Addressing the media, Jets coach Rick Bowness reflected on the decision, saying, “While Tuesday night was tough on Hellebuyck, the plan was always to have Brossoit in goal for Thursday.”
As we step into the second week of the NHL game season, several teams and players seem to be grappling with a slow start:
Washington Capitals and Alex Ovechkin:
The NHL game legend, currently standing at 822 goals, remains stagnant after three games without finding the net under the guidance of the new coach, Spencer Carbery. Despite this, history reminds us of his capability; last season began similarly, but he managed to notch up 42 goals, surpassing Gordie Howe’s record.
Tampa Bay Lightning:
The team, off to a 1-2-1 start, grapples with challenges, the primary one being Andrei Vasilevskiy’s absence due to back surgery. Further complicating matters are Steven Stamkos’s injury and significant changes in their roster from the previous season. Their last three games have been particularly concerning.
New Jersey Devils:
Their challenges appear early in the games. The team has consistently conceded the first goal, and even though they displayed resilience against the Arizona Coyotes, they found the Florida Panthers’ lead insurmountable. Coach Lindy Ruff has pointed fingers at careless penalties and a lack of urgency on the field, leading to critical decisions like benching Timo Meier.
In Ruff’s words, “Every player needs to step onto that ice with a sense of urgency. If that’s lacking, we’ll be making some swift changes.”