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Connor Hellebuyck Saved Jets Season With Five-Word Message

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated May 6, 2025 8:23 PM ET

The Winnipeg Jets are preparing for Game 1 of the second round against the Dallas Stars, but there were some tense moments in the first round. Winnipeg pulled off an epic comeback in Game 7 to send them to the second round.

However, throughout the series, things were a little touch-and-go for the Presidents' Trophy winners. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck was pulled multiple times in the series, and there were questions about whether he could get the job done.

But when his team needed him the most, the star goaltender stepped up huge. Defender Neal Pionk revealed what Hellebuyck said to the team during the third period of Game 7 against the St. Louis Blues.

His words seemed to motivate the Jets, helping them to perform the comeback.

"They're not getting another one"

Neal Pionk says Connor Hellebuyck assured his Jets teammates that the Blues are “not getting another one” going into the third period of Game 7.

He LOCKED IN to help Winnipeg win in 2OT pic.twitter.com/UEH9qpuToT
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 6, 2025

Hellebuyck even admitted that there were times when he didn't feel comfortable during the series with the Blues. But the veteran stepped up in the moment, and now has his team in the second round for the first time since 2021.

"You know, I think there was definitely ... I don't want to call it an awakening, but there was definitely a moment there where I was able to take my game to another level," Hellebuyck of his play in the Jets' 4-3 double-overtime win. "And feeling that, it definitely gives you some momentum and some confidence going into the next round.

Game 1 between the Stars and Jets is set to begin on Wednesday, May 7 at 9:30 p.m. ET. The two sides will be looking to set the tone early on in the series, with Hellebuyck seemingly locked in.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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