Hellebuyck stands tall heading into bye-week

DALLAS, Texas- The final two games leading into the bye-week yielded back-to-back top-notch performances for Jets' netminder,Connor Hellebuyck.
After making 37 saves in a 5-1 win over the Nashville Predators on Thursday night, the Michigan product was yet again one of Winnipeg's best players on the ice in Dallas on Saturday evening. Despite the 4-2 loss, Hellebuyck turned aside 35 shots, including several massive saves in the third period when Winnipeg was pushing for the game-tying goal late in the third period.

"He played awesome for us," said Mark Scheifele following Saturday's game.
"He battled all game long and made a lot of big saves to keep us in it and we (the team) battled real hard to get back in it."

Through Winnipeg's opening 48 games, Hellebuyck has started 37 - boasting a 2.85 GAA and a .910 SV percentage. While the numbers are solid, the wins are what matter in the standings. The 25-year-old has 21 wins - good for third amongst NHL goalies.
"I'm pretty happy with my game," said Hellebuyck.
"Like I said, I don't want to peak until playoffs come around. I like where it's at and I'm just going to continue to strike to get better and that is all I can hope for."

Head coach Paul Maurice has been afforded consistent back-up goaltending this season, with Laurent Brossoit going 10-1-0-1 in his 12 appearances. With the lighter load for his starter, Maurice is pleased with what he has seen so far from last season's Vezina Trophy finalist.
"(Hellebuyck) has been really good this year. He's had three or four wins on him for sure. He's been good," said Maurice.
Heading into the bye-week the Jets sit four points ahead of the Nashville Predators in the Central Division standings. While the Predators plays two more games this week with a chance to tie the Jets in points, Winnipeg will remain in first when they return to action on Jan. 28 in Philadelphia as the Jets have three more wins (31) than Nashville.
"We're leading, we did our job and I think Winnipeg should be very excited and happy with what we are - in first," said Hellebuyck with a grin.
"We're working hard. I think we should expect to get better every day and continue building our game. But now, let's take a second and enjoy where we are at."