How the Vegas Golden Knights should attack Connor Hellebuyck

The Vegas Golden Knights are in a daunting five-game stretch right now. They defeated the Dallas Stars on Friday, exacting their revenge for last season's Stanley Cup playoff exit. However, they have a tougher task than facing Jake Oettinger. This time, they're taking on the Winnipeg Jets and... Connor Hellebuyck.

If you don't know who the 31-year-old goaltender is, he's the reigning Vezina Trophy winner. Hellebuyck is having another great year with a GAA of 2.09 (second in the NHL) and a save percentage of .927 (tied for second in the NHL). The Golden Knights will have their hands full when facing the native of Commerce Township, Michigan on Thursday.

Sure, the matchup might seem like the end of the world for some fans. You're playing a road game in one of the NHL's smallest arenas (Canada Life Centre has a maximum capacity of 16,345), meaning there's plenty of noise to go around. The Jets are nothing to scoff at, either. They're tied with their divisional rival, the Minnesota Wild, for most points in the NHL entering Thursday (42 points).

But fear not, dear Golden Knights fans. There's a particular strategy used to stop this Vezina Trophy-winning menace. He might be one of the best goaltenders in the league. However, that doesn't make him perfect in the net. Let's break down Bruce Cassidy's strategy for taking down the goaltender known as Connor Hellebuyck.

How the Vegas Golden Knights should attack Connor Hellebuyck

Hellebuyck is a goaltender who prides himself on positioning in the right spots. He's not fond of creating explosive plays and using pure athleticism. In short, he's the thinking man's goaltender, watching the play unfold and reacting accordingly.

Of course, some caveats exist within his game. For one, Hellebuyck admitted himself that he isn't the most flexible goaltender. He relies on a calmer style to carry him through a game, which goes well with his cerebral game. Therefore, the Vegas Golden Knights must attack the Winnipeg Jets netminder with consistent passes and creating terrific looks.

That means deploying a bigger body and creating havoc. For example, Mark Stone will stand in front of Hellebuyck and seek a deflection or redirection. Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev have mastered this art throughout the season, whether on the power play or even strength. It's no wonder the trio has 15 goals scored and eight goals allowed entering Thursday, according to Natural Stat Trick. Goals like this come to mind when attacking a goaltender.

Sure, this might be Eric Comrie who's goaltending for Winnipeg. However, the point still stands. Tic-tac-toe passing like this keeps netminders off-balance, leaving them struggling to get back into position. If the top line consistently does this, they'll win two points for the Golden Knights on Thursday.

Of course, this doesn't just apply to the top line. This also applies to the third line, specifically with Tomas Hertl. That means Alexander Holtz (two goals, seven assists) must step up his game and jump in on these passes. Finding his shot and trusting Hertl will help him.

The good news is that the 31-year-old has been a mixed bag against the Golden Knights. He's posted a career GAA of 3.00 and a save percentage of .912 all-time. But his last three starts have been uninspiring, with a GAA of 3.52 and a save percentage of .867. That bodes well for Stone, Eichel, and company, especially since they're starting a tough road trip.