Connor Hellebuyck was a standout performer for Winnipeg during the regular NHL season, and he’s now showing that form once again in the playoffs. He faces another road challenge against Dallas as the playoffs continue.
Florida has made an impressive comeback in their series against Toronto, narrowly avoiding a 3-0 deficit. This is largely due to Sergei Bobrovsky’s remarkable performance in overtime, which set the stage for Brad Marchand’s game-winning goal. This Sunday, Winnipeg, winners of the Presidents’ Trophy, and Florida, the reigning Stanley Cup champions, are set to progress with their second-round matches. The Jets and Stars head to Dallas for Game 3, while the Panthers have the advantage of home ground for Game 4 against the Maple Leafs.
Hellebuyck is a strong contender for his third Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league’s top goalie, and is also a finalist for the Hart Trophy, which honors the NHL regular season MVP. Despite this, his road performance this postseason has been less than stellar, with a concerning save percentage of .758 and goals-against average of 7.24. He didn’t finish any of the three away games at St. Louis in the first round.
Since those tough road losses, Hellebuyck has made a significant recovery. He won a crucial Game 7 in overtime against the Blues and has managed a split in his first two games against Dallas. While the Stars only mustered Mikko Rantanen’s natural hat trick in the second period of their 3-2 series opener victory, Hellebuyck shut them out in Game 2 with 21 saves.
“There were stretches in the first round where I really liked my game, just wasn’t in the results. But, built it back better. I like where we’re at,” Hellebuyck explained. He praised the team in front of him, hoping to continue their momentum and enjoyment.
The Panthers face their own challenges, needing to win at least once in Toronto to advance, but they have renewed vigor following their 5-4 victory in Game 3. Florida’s coach Paul Maurice noted the leveling of competition as the puck drops Sunday, emphasizing all remaining eight teams’ legitimacy.
Winnipeg Jets are scheduled to face the Dallas Stars in Game 3, with the series currently tied at 1-1. Dallas seized home-ice advantage under coach Pete DeBoer, but they struggled to capitalize on it in Game 2 after a penalty against Tyler Sequin set the Jets up for a quick lead.
“We’re a resilient group and we have a lot of confidence in our game,” added Stars center Wyatt Johnston, highlighting their determination and capability to bounce back.
Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs head to Florida for Game 4 in their series, which Toronto currently leads 2-1. Toronto has been scoring prolifically, achieving at least four goals in their last four playoff encounters, a streak they’ve maintained since 1999. The challenge is whether Florida can keep stepping up their offensive performance.
The Panthers remain invincible this season, boasting a 21-0-0 record when scoring five or more goals. This unblemished streak dates back to 2023 and includes playoff performances. They relied heavily on achieving this in their recent win, with Marchand’s goal keeping them alive against Toronto.
“This series has been intense,” said John Tavares from Toronto. Having scored twice in Game 3, Tavares highlighted his excitement and motivation to gear up and deliver better. However, goaltending remains a concern for both teams. Toronto’s Anthony Stolarz is recovering but yet to resume skating, which means Joseph Woll might make another start. Woll’s stats over two games underline the defensive challenges Toronto faces. Bobrovsky struggles similarly, conceding multiple goals, making the netminders key figures as the series develops.