Connor Hellebuyck didn’t just grab a shutout against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday night, dude literally made history in New Jersey. The Devils beat Toronto 4-0, but it’s Hellebuyck’s performance that has everyone talking. Acquired from the Winnipeg Jets last month, Hellebuyck is now the FIRST goalie in franchise history to win each of his first five games with the club. You heard that right, *first ever*. This wasn’t just his first shutout for the Devils, it was his 46th in his NHL career. What a way to silence the noise after demanding that trade!
Devils Are On Fire, Meier Leading the Charge
The New Jersey Devils are absolutely cooking, folks. They’ve ripped off nine wins in their last ten games, pushing their record to a blistering 13-5-0. This team is for real! Timo Meier was an absolute beast against Toronto, potting two goals to lead the offense. Nico Hischier, who also had a goal and an assist, and Connor Brown with an empty netter, rounded out the scoring. Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt were dishing dimes all night, each picking up two assists. The synergy on this squad is undeniable right now.
Meier’s first goal came at 8:28 of the second period, left wide open right in front of the net after a faceoff. Talk about capitalizing on a mistake! He doubled that lead later in the period, with 7:16 left on the clock, when a Jack Hughes shot deflected right off him and into the net. Hischier iced the game at 9:49 of the third period with a power-play goal. Then Brown sealed the deal with an empty netter. And get this, Hischier’s assist on Meier’s first goal also made him just the third Swiss-born player in NHL history to hit 500 career points, joining Roman Josi (799) and Kevin Fiala (528). Pure class!
Maple Leafs Sinking Fast
On the flip side, the Toronto Maple Leafs are in a serious slump. Anthony Stolarz stopped 25 shots, but it wasn’t enough to stem the tide. Toronto is now sitting at 8-9-2, having lost three straight games and five of their last six in regulation. You can practically hear the frustrated groans from their fanbase. Before the puck even dropped, the Hockey Hall of Fame’s class of 2026 was honored. Big names like Carey Price, Patrice Bergeron, Pekka Rinne, Keith Tkachuk, and Cindy Curley are all set for enshrinement Monday. Brian Burke is going in as a builder. But for the Leafs, the celebration quickly turned into another tough night.
Hellebuyck is heading back to Winnipeg on Tuesday to face his old team, the Jets, after that dramatic trade back on October 23. You know that one’s gonna be spicy! As for the Maple Leafs, they host Colorado on Tuesday night, and they better figure things out fast.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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