Connor Hellebuyck to start for U.S. in opener against Latvia

The U.S. has made its first key decision in net.

Hellebuyck started three of four games for the U.S. at the 4 Nations Face-Off last February, with Jake Oettinger getting the other nod. That duo is joined by Jeremy Swayman in Milan.

Sullivan had previously declined to name a starter, noting that “performance matters.”

Hellebucyk, the NHL’s reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner, holds a .900 save percentage and 2.79 goals-against average in 36 starts with the Winnipeg Jets this season.

The Dallas Stars’ Oettinger sits at .897 and 2.73, while the Boston Bruins’ Swayman has marks of .903 and 2.92.

After a day off Friday, the Americans have a back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday against Denmark and Germany to wrap round-robin play.