HELLEBUYCK HUGE
Connor Hellebuyck faced 46 shots from the Avalanche tonight marking the fourth time he has faced more than 40 in a playoff game in his career. Hellebuyck became the first goalie in NHL history to earn each of a franchise’s first 18 playoff wins moving past Georges Vezina, who had each of Montreal’s first 17 NHL playoff wins from 1918 to 1925.
“It could have been worse. Seriously. We don’t give up that many chances. We don’t give up that many shots,” said Rick Bowness.
“And Connor had to play better and he made a lot of big saves at the right time, which he always does. I’m not hanging any of those goals on him.”
ALWAYS READY FOR GAME 1
Connor, Scheifele and Lowry always seem to be ready for the start of a series. Coming into tonight, the trio had scored in three Game 1’s and all three scored as well vs. the Avalanche in Sunday’s series opener. Lowry was named the game’s first star with his two goals and a team leading six hits.
“His game speaks for himself even in the regular season. He just plays the right way,” said Connor.
“He has a 200-foot game, hits like that. Smart player and you see it, that’s why he’s our captain.”
