from Ken Wiebe of Sportsnet,
There are formulas, numbers and plenty of other important evidence that suggest it’s a bad idea – under most circumstances – for the starting goalie to start on consecutive days.
A growing number of coaches are leaning on that data and leaning on the backup more often, but Monday was one of those nights when the Winnipeg Jets felt it was best to ride the No. 1 guy.
First and foremost, Connor Hellebuyck didn’t have an overly taxing night on Sunday against the New Jersey Devils and, secondly, the commute from Newark, N.J., to Manhattan is pretty easy compared to most other situations when a flight is involved.
When you consider the Jets had lost consecutive games and needed a lift, it was no surprise that head coach Rick Bowness decided to go with No. 37 between the pipes in Monday’s game against the New York Rangers.
Hellebuyck did his part with a virtuoso performance, finishing with a season-high 50 saves as he essentially willed the Jets to a 4-1 victory.
Watch the game highlights below.
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