"Helly sucks in Dallas": NHL fans react as Connor Hellebuyck is set to make Devils debut against Stars tonight

Connor Hellebuyck will make his New Jersey Devils debut against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night after coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed the goalie would start. The news quickly drew mixed reactions from NHL fans, with some predicting a difficult night for Hellebuyck and others wishing him well after his departure from Winnipeg.

“He is going tonight, yes,” Keefe said after the morning skate at American Airlines Center, per the Associated Press.

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet also shared the confirmation on X. The start comes four days after New Jersey acquired Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets on Friday. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner and 2025 Hart Trophy recipient had missed training camp and the first 24 days of the season before the trade.

Some fans weren't convinced Connor Hellebuyck would have a good night against Dallas. One fan wrote:

“Helly sucks in Dallas”

Another expected things to go badly for the Devils goalie.

“Either he gives up 8 or comes out half way through the first period with a lower body injury.”

One fan didn't hide their hopes for Hellebuyck's debut to go poorly.

“I really hope he gets destroyed”

One Winnipeg fan wished him well despite his departure from the team.

“As a Jets fan... I hope he does well... he was good to us... good luck.”

Another fan felt Hellebuyck's first game with New Jersey would draw plenty of attention.

“Gonna be a lot of hate watching for this one. Great for the ratings.”

Stars carry five-game winning streak into Connor Hellebuyck debut

Connor Hellebuyck will face a Dallas team that has been in good form. The Stars (7-3-1) have won five straight, including Sunday's 6-3 victory over the New York Islanders, when Jason Robertson scored twice. They have also won the first three games of their six-game homestand.

The Devils (7-4-0) have won three straight after sweeping a three-game homestand, but have struggled away from home, going 1-2-0 on the road. Before the trade, New Jersey's team save percentage of .878 ranked 22nd in the NHL. Jake Allen was 5-2-0 with a .886 save percentage.

Connor Hellebuyck has played 32 career games against Dallas, going 14-12-6 with a 2.59 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage. However, he has just one win in his last seven meetings with the Stars, posting a 3.20 goals-against average and an .876 save percentage during that stretch, according to The Hockey News.

New Jersey has a busy schedule ahead, too. The Devils visit the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday in the second half of a back-to-back before wrapping up their road trip against the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday.

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