With the Winnipeg Jets facing off in a crucial Game 5 of their playoff series on Wednesday, Connor Hellebuyck is determined to make a statement in net. After a challenging few games where the Blues have tested him, Hellebuyck’s confidence remains unwavering as he heads into what could be a series-defining moment for the Jets.

Hellebuyck, who was announced Monday as a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, told reporters his mindset is good heading into Wednesday’s Game 5 at home against St. Louis.

The Blues tied the opening-round series 2-2 after thumping the Jets 5-1 on Sunday and 7-2 on Thursday in St. Louis.

“You don’t love giving up that many goals, but we’re 2-2 in the series. That’s all that matters. Win the next one,” Hellebuyck said after he and most of his teammates skipped Monday’s optional skate.

“Am I going to be better? I am going to be better. I’ve studied goaltending extremely hard. I’ve probably studied more than anyone else in this world, so I know what to do and how to get my best game. That’s what I’m looking forward to doing.”

Backup Eric Comrie replaced Hellebuyck in the third period of the past two losses, giving up just one goal in Thursday’s match.

The 31-year-old from Commerce, Michigan, is the reigning Vezina Trophy winner, a distinction he also claimed in 2020. He was a finalist in 2018 and 2023.

Hellebuyck posted career bests in wins (47), shutouts (8), goals-against average (2.00), and save percentage (.925) to help Winnipeg finish the regular season with the league’s best record and secure home-ice advantage by capturing their first Presidents’ Trophy.

“It would be crazy to go that many regular-season games and then switch something up in the playoffs,” Hellebuyck said. “You don’t win 47 games and then come to the playoffs and change everything. I know how it needs to look. I like a lot of things about my game, and I’m not going to go make huge changes.”

Hellebuyck also won a second consecutive William M. Jennings Trophy as the goaltender (with a minimum of 25 games played) on the team allowing the fewest regular-season goals.

He emphasized that he is mentally prepared for what lies ahead.

“I think playoff time, that’s one of the most important attributes you can have: being strong between the ears,” Hellebuyck said. “You don’t want to go into a game playing with fear. If you play with fear, that’s when you start to make mistakes and wish you could have things back.”

“We go out, play our game, and continue to be better every single shift, every single game, and every single day. That’s my mindset moving forward, and I’m looking forward to that.”