Jets' Hellebuyck 'absolutely' got confidence boost from 4 Nations

Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck believes his strong performance in playoff-style games at the 4 Nations Face-Off will give him a confidence boost heading into the NHL postseason.

"Oh, absolutely," he said Sunday. "The best part about it is that the game didn't feel all too different than our system here. We've been playing very good here in Winnipeg. It was kind of a really smooth transition into that game."

Hellebuyck was outstanding for the United States in the tournament, posting a .932 save percentage and 1.59 goals against average while allowing just five goals on 74 shots across three appearances.

Team USA fell to Canada 3-2 in overtime during the inaugural championship game Thursday, which Hellebuyck admitted still stung.

"It's a goal short, really. ... It's kind of a heartbreak, and I'm still getting over it but looking forward here to the rest of our season and a big playoff push," he said. "It was really fun to play some emotional games."

Hellebuyck added that he doesn't think he'll "think twice" about the loss once he's around his Jets teammates.

"I think the second I wake up tomorrow and go to a morning skate, I believe everything's just gonna kind of transition back into the NHL season," he reasoned. "I'm just going to put it behind me like I do every single day after any goal and any other game."

Hellebuyck didn't play in the Jets' first game after the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off - a 4-3 shootout victory over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday - but he expects to return to the crease Monday against the San Jose Sharks.

Winnipeg will be in pursuit of its 10th straight victory as it has charged to second place in the league with a 40-14-3 record. Hellebuyck has been key to his team's success, posting 34 wins and a .925 clip in 43 starts while leading the league in shutouts (six), goals saved above average (27.04), and goals saved above expected (35.89), per Evolving-Hockey.

The 31-year-old is in line to win his second straight Vezina Trophy and third of his career, but it's been a bit of a struggle for him in the playoffs the last two seasons.

The Jets were eliminated in five games in the opening round against the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023, and they suffered that same fate against the Colorado Avalanche last spring. Hellebuyck was in net for all 10 contests, logging a .878 clip and 4.28 goals against average.

Winnipeg would square off against the Vancouver Canucks if the 2025 playoffs started today.