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Connor Hellebuyck shines in Devils debut after 197 day layoff
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- Connor Hellebuyck shines in Devils debut after 197 day layoff
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Connor Hellebuyck shines in Devils debut after 197 day layoff appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
New Jersey Devils goaltender Connor Hellebuyck impressed on his debut, backstopping his new team to a 5-1 win over the Dallas Stars after stopping 16 of 17 shots on Tuesday night. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner returned to action after a lengthy absence, helping New Jersey extend its winning streak to four games.
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The Devils acquired Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets last Friday in exchange for forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nico Daws, Alexander Command's rights and two draft picks — a 2029 second-rounder and a 2027 seventh-rounder. The trade came after a prolonged disagreement between the 33-year-old and his former club. His suspension for failing to report to training camp began on September 16 and was scheduled to end on Tuesday. The game against Dallas marked his first appearance since April.
Hellebuyck's arrival followed a difficult 2025-26 campaign, during which he posted an .895 save percentage across 57 starts as Winnipeg missed the playoffs. Despite having only one practice with his new teammates, the four-time NHL All-Star produced a winning performance.
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New Jersey captain Nico Hischier led the offensive effort with two goals, giving the team a 2-0 advantage through the opening 38 seconds of the second period. Jesper Boqvist pushed the lead to 3-0 before Justin Hryckowian scored the Stars only goal at 16:08 of the second period.
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Luke Hughes responded just 28 seconds later, restoring the Devils three-goal cushion. Jack Hughes added the final goal at 13:15 of the third period to complete the victory. Both Hughes brothers finished with a goal and an assist, while Hischier recorded his team-leading seventh goal of the season.
The result improved New Jersey's record to 8-4-0 and ended Dallas' five-game winning streak. The Stars, who entered the contest with a league-leading 1.68 goals-against average, surrendered a season-high five goals. Goaltender Casey DeSmith made 22 saves in the loss.
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Up next, the Devils will visit the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night.
Related: Check out Connor Hellebuyck in Devils uniform before first start since trade
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