Why the decision not to play Connor Hellebuyck against the Jets has a positive and negative effect

The New Jersey Devils announced via a statement from Sunny Mehta that goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will not start against his former team, the Winnipeg Jets, on Tuesday night. The choice immediately sparked backlash from fans across the league shortly after Hellebuyck posted a shutout victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Pucks and Pitchforks writer Luke Garrison analyzes both sides of the decision, noting that while the public statement overshadowed a key victory, resting Hellebuyck manages his workload after three games in six days. Coach Keefe confirmed the Devils aim to keep the newly acquired goaltender fresh for an upcoming matchup against the Washington Capitals.