US Goaltender Faces Ducks in First Game Since Olympic Final

Hellebuyck makes 23 saves in first game back from Olympic gold medal win

Feb. 28, 2026 at 5:42am

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Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets made 23 saves on 24 shots in his first game since leading the United States to the Olympic gold medal in men's hockey. Hellebuyck, who was named the tournament's best goaltender, faced off against his Olympic teammate Jackson LaCombe of the Anaheim Ducks.

Why it matters

Hellebuyck's performance in the Olympics has earned him national recognition, including an upcoming Presidential Medal of Freedom award from President Trump. This game marks his return to NHL action after the Olympic break and provides a chance to see how he fares against fellow Olympians.

The details

Hellebuyck stopped 23 of 24 shots through two periods against the Ducks. He made two saves on shots by his Olympic teammate LaCombe. The Jets took a 2-0 lead on goals by Alex Iafallo and Gabriel Vilardi before the Ducks' Jacob Trouba scored late in the second period.

  • The game was the Jets' second since the NHL's Olympic break.
  • Hellebuyck did not dress for the Jets' previous game on Wednesday, one day after attending the State of the Union address in Washington.
  • Hellebuyck made 41 saves and assisted on the game-winning goal in the United States' 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in the Olympic gold medal game on Sunday.

The players

Connor Hellebuyck

Goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets who led the United States to the Olympic gold medal in men's hockey, earning tournament MVP honors.

Jackson LaCombe

Defenseman for the Anaheim Ducks who was a member of the United States Olympic hockey team, though he did not dress for any games.

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What they’re saying

“I've never seen a goaltender play as well as goalie Connor Hellebuyck”

— President Donald Trump

What’s next

Hellebuyck will soon be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, becoming the first hockey player and 44th sports figure to receive the nation's joint-highest civilian award.

The takeaway

Hellebuyck's dominant performance in the Olympics has earned him national recognition, and his return to NHL action provides a chance to see how he fares against fellow Olympians as he continues his pursuit of hockey's highest individual honors.