Will Hellebuyck's Return Spark a Jets Turnaround?

In Winnipeg, they are calling it the Helle-bump.

Connor Hellebuyck was back between the posts for the Jets on Saturday. The result was a resounding 5-1 victory for Winnipeg over the Washington Capitals.

The reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy holder turned aside 24 shots in his first start since undergoing knee surgery on November 22.

Winnipeg was 2-8-1 during the absence of their all-star puckstopper.

“It stinks,” Hellebuyck told the Winnipeg Free Press. “Any time you’re watching your team play and just want to be back in there and do everything you can, and you just can’t."

The difference between the pipes for the Jets is dramatic. This season, Hellebuyck is 9-6-0 with a 2.41 goals-against-average and .916 save percentage. Backup Eric Comrie has gone 6-8-1 with a 3.30 GAA and .886 save percentage.

According to naturalstattrick.com, Hellebuyck is 18th among NHL goalies in goals saved above average (4.52). Comrie rates 38th in this category (0.22). 

The knee injury was the first serious ailment suffered by Hellebuyck during his 11 seasons as a pro netminder.

The knee had been bothering Hellebuyck since training camp, but he sought to play through the pain.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it," Hellebuyck said. "That’s kind of where I was for a bit. And then it finally broke, so I had to fix it.”

The Jets have also looked broken this season. They currently sit 11th in the Western Conference at 15-15-1, four points out of a playoff position.

Getting their world-class goalie back, the guy who figures to be the go-to goalie for the USA at the upcoming Winter Olympic Games, should provide a spark to get this expected Stanley Cup contender back ot track.

“There was a lot of excitement around the room," Hellebuyck said of his return. He wasn't ready to take credit for that upgrade in team tempo.

“It’s hard for me to put that into words because I’m just doing my job back there,” Hellebuyck said.