March 1, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) makes a save against the San Jose Sharks in the third period at the SAP Center in San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Image Besides a win, Connor Hellebuyck and his Winnipeg teammates are looking for one thing when the Jets open their eight-game homestand Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Play time is only 60 minutes.
The Jets have gone to three straight overtimes since the NHL resumed after the Olympics. Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy Award winner and current league MVP, backstopped Team USA’s gold medal-winning team at the Milan Cortina Games.
However, he has lost both games in net since returning to the Jets.
Hellebuyck, a four-time All-Star, made 31 saves in Sunday’s 2-1 overtime loss at San Jose.
Morgan Barron scored on an assist from Tanner Pearson with just 2:44 into the game to give Winnipeg an early advantage, but the Jets were held scoreless the rest of the game.
The Sharks tied the score in the third period before Michael Misa put the game to bed with 1:40 left in overtime.
“We gave up a breakaway, gave up a 3-on-2, and then gave up a 2-on-1 that ended up being a goal,” Winnipeg coach Scott Arniel said. “It’s just… if you’re trying to get points, you can’t fake it like that because you’re on your way.”
Winnipeg fell to 3-10 in overtime this season and just 2-8 in games decided 3-3.
“Yeah, usually once you get your chance, it goes the other way,” said Kyle Connor, who is tied for the team lead with Mark Scheifele with 27 goals. “Unfortunately they were able to score in that game and we couldn’t make another play. That happens sometimes.”
Winnipeg’s playoff hopes are fading. The team is now nine points out of the second wild card slot. The Jets have made the postseason for the third straight year and seven of the last eight.
While the Jets have dropped seven of their last 10 contests, the Blackhawks have won their last 10 with eight setbacks.
Chicago got on the right side of the scoreline on Sunday, defeating the Utah Mammoths 4-0. Tuesday’s game concludes a five-game road trip that began before the Olympics.
Teubo Teravainen, who won a bronze medal at the Olympics with Finland, scored twice. Nick Foligno scored his 250th career goal, Landon Slaggert also scored for the Blackhawks and Arvid Soderblom made 22 saves for his first career shutout.
“It felt good,” Soderblom said. “It took a long time and there were a lot of ups and downs, but it felt good to finally get it done. The guys did a great job (in front of the net). I thought we played our defensive system perfectly. It was great.”
The teams have split their first two meetings this season, with both sides winning at home.
–Field level media
