Connor Hellebuyck had one word on his mind during the anthem before winning Devils debut
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Connor Hellebuyck made his Devils debut a winning one in Dallas, and what he was thinking during the anthem sums up this long wait.
Connor Hellebuyck waited six months to play a real NHL game, and the New Jersey Devils made sure it was worth it.
The goalie made his debut Tuesday night in Dallas, and New Jersey beat the Stars 5-1 for its fourth straight win.
It all happened fast. The Devils acquired Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets on Friday, sending Dawson Mercer, Nico Daws, Alexander Command, Nick Bjugstad and a pair of picks the other way.
He hadn't played since April 13, so he got one practice and an optional morning skate before being handed the net.
The team shared his first postgame interview, and the question everyone wanted answered was simple.
What was running through his mind as the national anthem played?
Hellebuyck needed just one word, and it was the feeling you'd expect from a goalie who sat through a long standoff.
It was finally happening.
"When the national anthem is going and you're moments away from playing, what's running through your mind in that moment?”
- A reporter.
“Finally.”
- Connor Hellebuyck
- A reporter.
“Finally.”
- Connor Hellebuyck
Hellebuyck looked sharp from the start
He allowed one goal on 17 shots, a clean night for someone who hadn't played since spring.
Dallas arrived with a five-game winning streak, and the Devils shut it down.
Nico Hischier scored twice, first at 2:41 of the opening period and again 38 seconds into the second.
Justin Hryckowian spoiled the shutout with a second period deflection, but the Stars never got closer than two goals.
What comes next for New Jersey
The Devils improved to 8-4-0 and head to Colorado on Wednesday as the road trip continues.
Hellebuyck is 33, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner, with five seasons left on a contract carrying an $8.5 million cap hit.
It was only one start, but the early signs are great for a team that wanted a difference maker in net.
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