As Team Canada prepares to face off against Team Czechia, all eyes are on who will be between the pipes. Despite a challenging NHL season, Jordan Binnington is expected to be the starting goalie for Canada. This decision has raised eyebrows, considering his current NHL stats with the St. Louis Blues: an 8-17-6 record, a .864 save percentage, and a 3.65 goals-against average. These numbers hardly scream "Olympic starter," leading many to question the choice.
However, a deeper look reveals factors beyond the cold, hard statistics. Binnington has a reputation for rising to the occasion when the pressure is on. A prime example is the 4 Nations Face-Off, where he played a crucial role in Canada's victory, showcasing his ability to perform in high-stakes situations. His performance in the final against the United States was particularly noteworthy. This knack for mental toughness is invaluable in a short, intense tournament like the Olympics.
"It's a completely different environment,” Binnington told NHL.com. “It's been in the back of our minds or in our minds for the last six to eight months-plus. The moment is here, and it's about just letting go, playing free and playing your style".
Furthermore, the team in front of him will be markedly different from what Binnington is accustomed to in St. Louis. Team Canada boasts a disciplined and solid defense, featuring stars like two-time Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar and Colton Parayko. This defensive strength should limit the number of high-danger chances Binnington faces, potentially allowing him to thrive.
Comparisons to past Olympic goaltending situations are inevitable. Carey Price's stellar performance at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where he allowed just two goals, set a high bar. Coach Jon Cooper believes that the current trio of Binnington, Darcy Kuemper, and Logan Thompson are up to the task. All three goalies have Stanley Cup rings on their resumes. Binnington backstopped the Blues to the Stanley Cup in 2019. Kuemper won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022. Thompson earned a Stanley Cup ring with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023.
While Thompson's regular season stats (.912 save percentage and 2.45 GAA) and Kuemper's (.900 save percentage and 2.59 GAA) might appear superior to Binnington's, the coaching staff is likely weighing experience, performance under pressure, and the specific dynamics of this tournament. "We believe in those three we have the proper components (for a gold medal)," Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong said.
Ultimately, the decision to start Binnington is a calculated risk. It's a bet on his ability to elevate his game when it matters most, supported by a strong defensive structure. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the numbers don't tell the full story. Binnington has the chance to silence his doubters and prove that he can be the backbone of a Canadian gold medal run.
As Binnington himself stated, "Anyone in this tournament obviously belongs to be here...There's always something to talk about out there. But we're really confident with the three of us, our union. We know what we're all capable of. We're just looking forward to getting started here".