How Connor Hellebuick feels about pushing for the No. 1 goaltender
Team USA will play in the quarterfinals of the men’s Olympic hockey tournament. After a 5-1 win over Germany, Team USA awaits the winner of Sweden and Latvia in the quarterfinals.
As the team prepares for the medal round, Connor Hellebuyck made his case for being among the best for the United States, and talked about how he felt goes to the next round, per Marco Lazerus and Michael Russo of the Athletics.
“Is it over a hundred percent? No, I feel good. It’s pretty hot out there. I’m sweating a lot right now. I guess I’m 99 percent right as we speak. But yeah, I feel good out there,” Hellebuick said.
He will likely be in goal on Wednesday when Team USA takes the ice, as Hellebuyck has been the better netminder so far in the Olympics. He made two starts, allowing just two goals on 42 shots. His 1.00 goals-against average is tied for the best in the tournament with Canada’s Jordan Binnington, and his .952 save percentage is his best ever.
Jake Ettinger was a backup in the 4 Nations Face-off but is yet to see action, having been scratched in favor of Jeremy Swyman in the group stage game against Denmark. Swayman fought against Denmarkallowing three goals on just 21 shots. Coach Mike Sullivan has often noted that performance will dictate who will be on the ice and praised Hellebuyck’s play thus far.
“His rebound control, he swallowed everything. There were no rebounds for Germany to have a chance to make the next play,” Sullivan said. “I thought this was his best. You could feel his confidence from the bench just watching him defend.”
While it appears Hellebuick will be favored the rest of the way, if a mishap occurs, the team has capable goaltenders who can step up. Right now, the focus for Hellebuick and the rest of the team is on Wednesday as the Americans await their next opponent.
2026-02-16 14:58:00
