The fact that he wasn't in the starter's net didn't save Connor Hellebuyck from facing the music in his return to Winnipeg.
The New Jersey Devils announced that Hellebuyck would serve as the backup to Jake Allen on Tuesday against the Jets, saying their analysis showed they had a better chance of winning with another goaltender.
The decision was heavily criticized across the hockey world, including by Jets head coach Scott Arniel.
"He gave up on us. It would be nice to finally be done with this," Arniel said.
Devils general manager Sunny Mehta made the decision because of analytics, but Hellebuyck said he asked to play because he felt it was his "duty."
However, despite not starting, Hellebuyck still had to take the ice for pre-game warm-ups, giving Jets fans their opportunity to show their former star goaltender exactly how they feel.
Loud boos rained down from the Canada Life Centre seats when he took to the ice, and he was also greeted by a number of creative signs plastered to the glass.
The Jets went on to win the game 4-2, with two goals each from Kyle Connor and Dawson Mercer, who was acquired from the Devils in the Hellebuyck trade. Nico Daws, also acquired in the trade, made 19 saves to get the win.
Here's a look at some of the reactions to Hellebuyck's return to Winnipeg:
