Connor Hellebuyck pulled off the save of the Olympic tournament, and Team USA went on to capture its first gold medal in men’s ice hockey since 1980.
The Winnipeg Jets goalie made a crazy paddle stop on Team Canada defenseman Devon Toews in the second period of a tie game, before Devils star Jack Hughes eventually sealed the victory with a truly golden goal in 3-on-3 overtime.
Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and the reigning Hart Trophy winner as league MVP, sprawled back through the crease to deny Toews’ open-net look from short range to preserve a 1-1 tie in the third period.
It was the best of 41 saves made by the Michigan native amid a heavy onslaught by the Canadians throughout the game aside from their lone goal by Toews’ Colorado teammate Cale Makar.
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“It’s a dream come true,” Hellebuyck told NBC after the game. “We grinded, we battled, and this was some of the best and most fun hockey that I’ve ever played…It still hasn’t truthfully sunk in.
“I’m looking forward to celebrating for the next 24 hours and who knows how long it’s going to last.”
