Team USA goalie Connor Hellebuyck can cement historic legacy in gold medal game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Connor Hellebuyck's NHL legacy is confusing.
The Winnipeg Jets' superstar goalie has won the Vezina Trophy three times. In the regular season throughout his career, there's been no one better.
In the postseason, though, Hellebuyck struggles mightily. It's like he's a totally different player. And it has stopped Winnipeg from achieving the greatness that felt within reach in multiple playoff scenarios.
That brings Hellebuyck to Sunday in Milan, Italy.
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He's the goaltender for Team USA, and it's the gold medal game against Canada. The Canadians have one of the most high-powered offenses ever assembled.
For the United States to win the gold, Hellebuyck will surely be called upon to be a hero at times.
This is his chance to change his story.
This is Hellebuyck's chance to prove that he can be a big-game player.
This is the opportunity to become a legend.
Hellebuyck hasn't even had one of his better regular seasons. It's been a bit of a struggle in Winnipeg.
In Italy, though, Hellebuyck has been mostly solid, if not perfect.
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Canada is a whole new level of test. There'll be no margin for error.
If Hellebuyck delivers on this stage, his failures in the NHL postseason will be close to forgotten. This is his moment to alter his legacy forever.
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