Hellebuyck Wins Devils Debut, Stars Fall 5-1

Connor Hellebuyck made his New Jersey Devils debut on Tuesday in Dallas as the Devils beat the Stars 5-1. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner, acquired from the Winnipeg Jets days earlier after missing training camp during a holdout and suspension for not reporting, started after only a few days of practice with his new team. Nico Hischier scored twice for a 2-0 lead, with Jack Hughes, Luke Hughes and Jesper Boqvist also scoring. Justin Hryckowian replied on a deflection before Luke Hughes answered 28 seconds later. New Jersey won its fourth straight; Dallas had a five-game winning streak snapped and allowed a season-high five goals after entering with the NHL's best goals-against average. Dallas's challenge for goaltender interference against Timo Meier on Hischier's first goal was denied. Casey DeSmith made 22 saves for the Stars. Hellebuyck told Devils reporter Amanda Stein the skaters in front of him played a perfect game for him to acclimate, keeping shots low and outside so he could touch the puck and work through rust. Coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters Hellebuyck was exceptional, physically ready, looked in mid-season form, and showed earned confidence. Save totals are contested: Heavy reports 17 of 18 stopped; AOL and NHL.com report 16 of 17; the New York Post reports 16 saves and one second-period goal. AOL calls it his first win since April 9 at St. Louis; the Post calls it his first start since April 13, 2026. The Devils face Colorado on the road Wednesday in a back-to-back, with Jake Allen expected to start.