I'll stay optimistic until there's nothing left, but I'm also fine with telling it like is when needed. (I will end this on a positive)
Regardless of how it goes in, you can't consistently let the puck hit the twine within the first 3 shots of the game. Hellebuyck has done that every game this series if I'm not mistaken. It's just not sustainable, especially on the road.
Last year I said Hellebuyck would have to prove he could raise his game in the playoffs, before the Colorado series. We know how that went, and when I suggested he should potentially be pulled/replaced by Brossoit for a game, it was not met with agreement.
A year on and he's been yanked 3 times, now people are clamoring for Comrie.
At this point, I think you have to start CH in game 7. However, if the Jets were to lose off the back of that decision, you're left with a heck of a predicament in the offseason. How unprecedented, having a back to back Vezina winner and Hart Trophy finalist look like such an anchor come crunch time. I'm not sure what you do if that happens and I wouldn't want to be wearing Chevy's shoes if it does.
I've been a goalie. Never at the NHL level obviously, but at a level high enough that I know the mental strength required to play the position. It's a pressure cooker unlike any other in sports, save for maybe the QB in football. As sad as it is to say, if there's something off about Hellebuyck's mentality, it might never be fixed.
I'm not going to speculate much on what is going on in another man's mind, but he doesn't look ready for the battle. When you're playing in a big game, you either run to it or from it. You'll never save them all, especially at a level where guys are so skilled offensively. However, when you choose to face the pressure head on, to enjoy it instead of letting it make you feel sick, you may find yourself doing things you never thought possible.
This loss isn't all on Hellebuyck. The Jets were lax defensively for the 2nd ga, but he certainly let in a back breaker for the 3rd. A similar level of softness to the 2nd goal in game 5. It deflates a team, whether it's fair or not. That's the position of the goaltender.
Now the Jets find themselves going to a 7th game that they really didn't need to be in. In such a punishing series, it would have done them well to close it out tonight instead of having to play another game of hockey. Yes, the other team has a say in the outcome, but the Blues were there for the taking. The whole Jets team didn't look like they hated losing this one. Despite everything I've said about the Jets goaltender (who did not aid the Jets in stealing this one) they lost this game together.
So the Jets will have to get it done on Sunday. It's no longer about reffing, injuries, favorable matchups, blown calls, and any of the rest. Now it comes down to guts. Who has them, and who doesn't.
They say the best team always wins game 7, and I believe that's this Jets team so I say they will be moving on to round 2. I also believe Hellebuyck has it in him somewhere to go to that higher level.
I maintain that the 1-0 shutout this season against Colorado was the best game I've ever seen him play. He absolutely stole that game, making saves he had no business making. It's time for him to finally find that place and live there. If he does, the Jets will win, no doubt about it.
I'll be supporting him and every other Jet who suits up for game 7. That's what it's all about. This is playoff hockey baby. This is living.
Go Jets Go
