Winnipeg Jets still awaiting word on Ondrej Pavelec’s injury

The status of Winnipeg Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec remains in limbo a day after he suffered a lower-body injury.

Pavelec was hurt late in the second period of Saturday’s 3-2 win over the Arizona Coyotes when Shane Doan ran him over as he drove the net. Pavelec stayed down for a few minutes as he was being examined by a trainer before getting up and finishing the frame. He did not return though for the third period.

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Head coach Paul Maurice told Jets TV following Sunday’s practice the team is still waiting to hear from doctors on the severity of the injury. Maurice added that Pavelec will not play in Monday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche.

“I think Doan is a pretty honest, pretty clean player,” said Maurice. “He plays hard but there is a responsibility to minimize the damage you do going to the net because everyone would go to the net that way. I don’t think it was initentional.”

Winnipeg called up goalie Connor Hellebuyck from the AHL’s Manitoba Moose on Sunday morning to help fill Pavelec’s void. He’ll mainly backup Michael Hutchinson but could start a game if it’s determined Pavelec will be out of the lineup for any length of time.

“Connor has to get into the net so we can’t run one guy until the other guy gets healthy,” said Maurice. “I want to see him play. The games I’ve seen this young man play, I think he can help us win games. I’m not reluctant to put him in the net.”

Hellebuyck has yet to start an NHL game but did dress as the back-up for one match late last season. He has a 0.927 save percentage and 2.41 GAA in ten games with the Moose this season. Hellebuyck says he was told he will be joining the Jets last night.

“I’m just going to come here, get better every day and do my best,” Hellebuyck told Jets TV. “Whatever happens happens, It means I can come to a new team, show them what I’ve got and be there for them.”