NASHVILLE, TN — Yes, it’s absolutely, positively way, way, way too early. And, yes, it’s a teeny-tiny sample size. Let’s get those disclaimers out of the way right from the get-go.
But with every stop Connor Hellebuyck makes for the Winnipeg Jets — and there were 43 in a 4-1 victory over the Nashville Predators in front of 17,113 at Bridgestone Arena Tuesday night — there is more and more a temptation to write this in indelible ink and in big, bold letters:
The future is now for the Jets and their young goaltender.
INCHING UP
Hellebuyck wasn’t just good in back-stopping the Jets to their 19th win of the season.