As Team Canada takes the ice against Team Czechia to kick off Olympic hockey, it looks like Jordan Binnington, the St. Louis Blues’ goalie, will be the Canadian starter.
For many, that will be a surprise. Looking at his NHL numbers on the season, you might wonder, “Why Binnington?” But there’s so much more going on than the statistics point to. And those are the things that make it clear why Canada is leaning on him.
Binnington Handles the Pressure Like Few Others
This season’s been rough—eight wins in 32 games, a career-low .864 save percentage. Not exactly what you’d call “stellar.” But here’s the thing about Binnington: he has this weird knack for showing up when people doubt him. Remember the 4 Nations Face-Off? He backstopped Canada to victory and made the saves that changed momentum in big moments. That’s mental toughness, and in a short tournament like the Olympics, that counts for everything.
Add a Canadian defence in front of him—disciplined, solid, a lot different from what he sees in St. Louis—and suddenly he could be in a sweet spot. He’s historically tough on low-percentage shots, and in a tournament where every puck matters, that kind of reliability could be exactly what Canada needs.
A Look at Binnington’s Game
Yes, there are things to watch. He can let in a goal over the glove, or sometimes the shoulder lags a step behind. Quick lateral plays can get him caught if he’s not set perfectly. But that’s the kind of stuff you can tweak when the spotlight is on, and he knows it. He’s got the awareness; he just needs to lock in. In a setting like this, with some of the best shooters in the world coming at him, those small adjustments could make all the difference.
Why Binnington Could Be the Right Choice
Olympic goaltending isn’t just about stats. You need nerves of steel, a steady head, and someone who can make the game-changing save when it matters most. Binnington’s proven he can do that. Playing behind a strong, predictable Canadian defence might even help him find that rhythm he had during his best seasons.
Between big saves and leading by example, Binnington seems like Canada’s obvious choice. The Olympic spotlight could be just what he needs to prove himself—and leave a bit of sparkle on his resume. Is he the guy Team Canada wants in the net when the pressure is greatest? We’ll see.
Related: Suzuki Is One of Team Canada’s Most Interesting Olympic Players
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