Scott Arniel provides update on Connor Hellebuyck's return and cautious approach
Jets head coach provided an update on Connor Hellebuyck's injury, stating he is still on track with his timeline, and they will make sure he is well protected.
The Winnipeg Jets lost 3-2 in a shootout to the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday, with Eric Comrie in the net while Connor Hellebuyck remains out since last month's knee procedure.
What Scott Arniel had to say regarding Connor Hellebuyck's return timeline
Jets coach Scott Arniel says Hellebuyck's recovery window hasn't changed since he was ruled out for four to six weeks on Nov. 21.
Hellebuyck sits at 8-6-0 on the year with a 2.51 GAA and a .913 save percentage, and Winnipeg has felt the bite of his absence.
Comrie, 30, has started seven of the eight games since Hellebuyck went down, bringing his record to 5-5-1 with a .897 save percentage and a 2.99 GAA.
Backup Thomas Milic, 22, has appeared in one start, allowing four goals on 34 shots in a loss to the Hurricanes, and he came in late against Buffalo to yield two goals on 17 shots over the final 20 minutes.
The Jets are attempting to break a slump, having lost six of their last seven games, including a 5-1 defeat at the hands of the Buffalo Sabres earlier this week.
Why the Jets recently held a players-only meeting
On the heels of that loss, TSN insider Darren Dreger reported a players-only meeting to recapture focus and discuss their effort.
"Well, lots of people want to point to goaltending, and that isn't the case. I mean, obviously, when you've got an elite goaltender like Connor Hellebuyck at your availability, he can mask a lot of defensive issues," Dreger explained on Insider Trading. "But really that's what it boils down to of late in terms of how the Winnipeg Jets are playing. Too many breakdowns in the defensive zone, too much time there, too much energy, which takes away from their offensive push. So there is no quick fix here. There's no trade that's going to help this. What may help it is a players only meeting, which they had after a humbling loss Monday to the Buffalo Sabres in Buffalo to re-establish that commitment to playing better defence, the identity of the Winnipeg Jets."
Arniel added that Hellebuyck is continuing to progress in practice and should be back on the ice soon, but the team is taking its time to make sure he's fully recovered.
"I'm going to make sure he has four yellow (non-contact) jerseys on," Arniel said of protecting the reigning Hart Trophy winner.
At 13-12-1, Winnipeg will try to bounce back on Friday when it hosts the Sabres back home.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 4 | 64 ANSWERS Scott Arniel provides update on Connor Hellebuyck's return and cautious approach Will Connor Hellebuyck's return help turn the Jets' season around? | ||
| Yes | 54 | 84.4 % |
| No | 10 | 15.6 % |
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