The Winnipeg Jets thought a fresh face between the pipes could be a difference-maker going into the third period on Sunday.
In a shock move, the Jets opted to replace No. 1 goalie Connor Hellebuyck with Laurent Brossoit after the former allowed four goals on 30 shots in Game 4 of their first-round series against the Colorado Avalanche. The Jets were down 4-1 at the start of the third.
Hellebuyck gave up three goals in the second period, including one in the final minute of the frame to Colorado's Valeri Nichushkin.
"Give him a break," head coach Rick Bowness said when asked to explain the move after the game. "There was just too much time and he had to make save after save. That's not on him whatsoever."
It hasn't been a great playoff run for the Vezina Trophy favourite, as he's allowed at least four goals in every game of this series — including six in the high-scoring Game 1 Jets win.
Hellebuyck was stellar in the regular season, finishing with a 37-19-4 record while putting up a .921 save percentage and allowing only 2.39 goals per game.
Coming into Game 4 against the Avalanche, Hellebuyck had a .871 save percentage and 5.05 goals-against average in this post-season.
The Jets lost Game 4 5-1 and now trail in the series 3-1. They will try to extend their season when they host Game 5 on Tuesday.
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