Will Team USA Rest Connor Hellebuyck Against Slovakia?
The United States men’s hockey team has reached the semifinals of the 2026 Winter Olympics. They achieved this by defeating Sweden 2-1 in an overtime thriller on Wednesday. Quinn Hughes scored the decisive goal, ensuring the team’s place in the next round.
Upcoming Challenge Against Slovakia
The U.S. team will face Slovakia in the semifinals on Friday. Their goal is clear: to advance to the gold medal game scheduled for Sunday.
Hellebuyck’s Stellar Performance
In the match against Sweden, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck demonstrated remarkable skill. He saved 28 of 29 shots, bringing his record in the tournament to 3-0-0. Hellebuyck boasts an impressive .958 save percentage and a goals against average of just 0.98.
After the game, Hellebuyck emphasized his team’s focus: “We didn’t come here for an Olympic medal – we came here for the big one.” His determination is evident as the team prepares for the semifinal match.
Coaching Decisions Regarding Hellebuyck
Following the victory over Sweden, discussions have arisen regarding whether coach Mike Sullivan should rest Hellebuyck against Slovakia. Analysts, including Jonny Lazarus and Steve Peters, expressed varying opinions on this subject during a post-game analysis.
- Lazarus questioned the decision to rest Hellebuyck, suggesting it could be a risk.
- Peters noted the importance of giving other goalies some ice time but expressed concerns about not having done so earlier.
- Oettinger, another goalie, has not played in the tournament yet, raising questions about his readiness.
With only a couple of days until the semifinal, the decision will play a crucial role in the team’s strategy against Slovakia. The stakes are high as they aim for Olympic glory.
