Connor Hellebuick’s “proud” reaction to Team USA’s win over Sweden
If ever there was a statement, this is it. Connor Hellebuick stood tall and helped Team USA defeated Sweden 2-1 in overtime in the quarterfinals on Wednesday in the Milano Santagiulia hockey arena. The Winnipeg Jets The netminder stopped 28 of 29 shots, finishing the night with a .966 save percentage.
Hellebuyck, the reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner, entered the Olympics under a cloud of doubt because of his postseason performance. Over his last three NHL playoff series, he has managed an .872 save percentage and a 3.60 goals-against average in 23 appearances. In the playoffs last season, Hellebuick posted a 3.08 GAA and .866 save percentage, the lowest among goaltenders who played more than four games. Against Team Sweden, however, he conceded just once and kept the Americans’ medal hopes alive.
“It’s one of those moments where you’ll look back over the years and be so proud to be a part of it,” the 32-year-old he saidthinking about winning.
Through three outings, Hellebuick has allowed just three goals, stopping 68 of 71 shots and leading the tournament with a 0.98 GAA and .958 save percentage.
Team USA outshot Sweden 40-29, but needed a late response after surrendering the momentum. Dylan Larkin opened the scoring at 11:03 of the second period, tipping a one-timer over Jacob Markstrom on a layup that featured Quinn Hughes and Jack Hughes. Team Sweden tied the game with 1:31 left when Mika Zibanejad converted a one-timer and Markstrom pulled for the extra attacker.
In overtime, the Americans controlled the game, putting six shots on net and holding Sweden to none. At 3:27 of the extra frame, Quinn Hughes finished the contest with a wrist shot off the post and in, assisted by Matt Boldy and Auston Matthews.
The United States, which went 0-for-2 on the power play while Team Sweden finished 0-for-1, now advances to the semifinals against Slovakia on Friday with a berth in the gold medal game.
2026-02-19 08:11:00
