The Winnipeg Jets defeated the New Jersey Devils 4-2 on Tuesday night, but one could argue the biggest battle may have been won during warmups.
There, Jets fans made life miserable for Connor Hellebuyck in his much-maligned return to Winnipeg.
Heading into the puck drop, Jets coach Scott Arniel said bluntly that Hellebuyck “gave up” on the team for requesting a trade, while Jets players criticized the three-time Vezina Trophy-winner for seemingly ducking the start.
In a press conference after the morning skate, Hellebuyck claimed security concerns and uncertainty with his career made the move out of town mandatory. The Devils tried to blunt as much criticism as possible for their goaltender not starting by saying that the decision was theirs alone due to unexplained “expected win probability” concerns.
That set the stage for a legendary warmup where the word ‘coward’ was thrown around like beads at Mardi Gras.
S/T to @CBrooksie84, @ICdave, @ConnorHrabchak1, and @SportsTalkWPG for the tremendous coverage and posting the videos on X.
Warmups
“Where is Connor?” chant
Hellebuyck arrives and is booed loudly
The loud angry noises continue
Jets fans start chanting “coward”
“Helle sucks!”
Fans cheer loudly when Devils players score on Hellebuyck
Devils begin putting muffins on netm
Hellebuyck ‘coward’ sign with cute Devils horns!
Hellebuyck stands by signs that say “Softer than Charmin,” “Playoff Pylon,” and of course, “coward”
Fan throws a Hellebuyck Jets jersey on the ice
Game
Jets fans chant “pull your goalie,” wanting Jake Allen out of the net
Postgame
Jets make “expected win probability” joke on jumbotron and social media
Dawson Mercer, who was dealt to Winnipeg in the blockbuster trade, scored twice against his former Devils teammates, earning a chant of his own.
“The (‘Dawson Mercer’) chants were pretty special,” Mercer said per NHL.com. “I haven’t heard that before, so that was good.”
The Jets’ 4-2 victory snapped New Jersey’s five-game winning streak, handing the Devils just their second loss since acquiring Hellebuyck in a blockbuster trade on October 23.
