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2h ago

Practice Points to Hellebuyck as Team USA's Starter for Olympic Opener

Canada faces scrutiny in goal after Jordan Binnington's poor NHL numbers.

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Team USA goalies (left to right) Jeremy Swayman (1), Connor Hellebuyck (37) and Jake Oettinger (30) pose during practice.
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RIGA, LATVIA - MAY 23: Darcy Kuemper #35 of Canada looks on during the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship group stage game between Canada and the United States at Arena Riga on May 23, 2021 in Riga, Latvia. The United States defeated Canada 5-1. (Photo by EyesWideOpen/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Connor Hellebuyck took one net for the full U.S. practice in Milan, with Jake Oettinger and Jeremy Swayman rotating in the other.
  • Coach Mike Sullivan declined to name a starter, calling the trio "elite" and keeping plans flexible ahead of Thursday’s opener against Latvia.
  • Hellebuyck was the No. 1 at the 4 Nations Face-Off and enters the Olympics as last season’s Vezina Trophy winner.
  • Oettinger offers the most NHL playoff experience and Swayman arrives with the top current save percentage among the three (.903).
  • Canada’s Jordan Binnington is viewed as the likely starter despite an .864 NHL save percentage this season, with coach Jon Cooper citing his goalies’ championship pedigree.