Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck lately shared his ideas on his recreation this season, highlighting how he feels extra dialed in 2024-25 in comparison with final season. Whereas Hellebuyck acknowledges that stats play a job in measuring efficiency, he emphasizes that they aren’t every part in terms of being an amazing goaltender.
You possibly can see and listen to what he needed to say in additional element within the video under.
Hellebuyck on the Significance of Enchancment
Hellebuyck opened up by sharing that he doesn’t like evaluating totally different seasons as a result of, in his view, he’s at all times bettering. “I don’t like evaluating years as a result of I really feel like I get so significantly better yearly,” he defined. He focuses on refining the main points of his recreation, making him extra structured and in tune with what it’ll take to succeed.
Every season represents a chance to turn out to be a greater goalie, and for him, his development come when it comes to particulars and the sport’s psychological features.
For Hellebuyck, Stats Aren’t Every thing
Regardless of his spectacular numbers, Hellebuyck is fast to downplay the function of statistics in evaluating his play. “Stats are stats,” he mentioned. He added that statistics fluctuate, however every part evens out over time. Whereas he’s at the moment having fun with a stable begin, he doesn’t let his stats outline his degree of success.
What issues to him is that the crew is successful, and his efficiency on the ice helps obtain that. For Hellebuyck, the aim isn’t nearly particular person numbers however moderately about contributing to crew success.
Hellebuyck Performs a Assured Psychological Recreation
Hellebuyck additionally touched on his psychological strategy to the sport, saying that he already appears like he’s in mid-season kind. “Issues are simply clicking,” he famous. He talked about that he has a powerful learn on the sport and isn’t overthinking his actions on the ice. This psychological sharpness is a key a part of his success—he’s capable of keep calm, give attention to the sport in entrance of him, and easily have enjoyable whereas taking part in.
This strategy displays his expertise and maturity as a goaltender. His capability to learn the sport nicely and belief his instincts permits him to excel, even in video games the place he might not face a number of motion.
Hellebuyck Is Assured Enjoying Each Quick and Sluggish Video games
Hellebuyck emphasised the significance of sustaining focus and confidence, whether or not the sport is fast-paced or slower. “I’ve at all times thought if you wish to be an elite goaltender, you actually have to have the ability to handle each video games,” he mentioned. No matter what number of photographs he faces, Hellebuyck stays locked in, feeling the sport and trusting his reads.
He defined that even when his physique isn’t in fixed movement throughout slower video games, his thoughts continues to be extremely lively. He famous within the interview that he’s at all times analyzing the move and anticipating what’s going to occur subsequent.
The Backside Line: Hellebuyck Prepared for a Nice Season
The very fact is that Hellebuyck is dialed in. He’s been stellar to begin the season. He picked up one other win on Sunday by turning apart 26 of 27 photographs in a 2-1 time beyond regulation victory in opposition to the Minnesota Wild. The 2023-24 Vezina Trophy winner has stopped 81 of 83 photographs throughout Winnipeg’s first three video games, posting a formidable .976 save share and a 0.66 GAA.
Regardless of restricted offensive help from the Jets, who’ve solely scored 4 targets within the final two video games, Hellebuyck’s dominant play has stored them in rivalry. He’ll look to increase his win streak to 4 video games in opposition to San Jose on Friday.
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