Connor Helleybuck is in the midst of a rough road stretch.
The Winnipeg Jets goaltender was pulled early in the third period after allowing a fifth goal to the St. Louis Blues in Game 4 on Sunday.
Eric Comrie replaced Hellebuyck for the second game in a row.
Game 4 marked the sixth straight road playoff game that Hellebuyck has surrendered at least four goals, making him one of just seven netminders in NHL history to achieve the lowly feat.
Hellebuyck was stellar for the Jets in the regular season, posting a league-best 2.00 goals-against average and eight shutouts while recording the second-best save percentage (.925) en route to what will likely be a third Vezina Trophy. But the 31-year-old entered Sunday’s game sporting a 3.53 GAA and .844 save percentage, including six goals allowed in Game 3.
Playoff struggles have been an unfortunate theme for the American netminder. The last post-season that he posted a GAA below 3.00 and an above-.900 save percentage was in 2020 — the year he won his first Vezina.
After being named the league’s top goalie last season, Hellebuyck posted a 5.24 GAA and .864 save percentage as Winnipeg got bounced in the first round.
According to The Athletic‘s Dom Luszczyszyn, Hellebuyck has allowed a league-worst 15.2 goals above expected in 14 playoff games over the last three seasons. Edmonton’s Stuart Skinner, the next-worst netminder in goals above expected, is at -5.6.
St. Louis fans were also quite disappointed in the goalie change, chanting “we want Connor” as play on the ice resumed.
Meanwhile, Comrie is hoping his regular-season success can translate to the post-season. The 29-year-old recorded a .914 save percentage and a 2.39 GAA in 20 contests this season.
