In a lineup boasting prominent talents such as Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and promising newcomers like 19-year-old Cole Celebrini, Jordan Binnington’s role with Team Canada raised several eyebrows due to his inconsistent performance with the St. Louis Blues this season. However, Binnington stepped up to the challenge during Thursday’s match, easing concerns about his capabilities in high-pressure situations.
“It felt good,” Binnington stated after the game. “Every team, every country has star players, so we knew they would challenge us at some point. I think we did well in managing them, allowing me to see the puck and play my game effectively.”
Binnington showcased the same level of performance that earned him a commendable record last season at the 4 Nations tournament, where he boasted a 3-1-0 record accompanied by a 2.37 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage.
Head Coach Jon Cooper expressed his unwavering trust in Binnington, stating, “I have the utmost confidence in that kid. He’s proven it even when he stumbles. When push comes to shove, the kid’s been there for us. He’s got a lot of pride, a lot of talent, and he’s done it a lot on different stages.”
With strong support from the team and guidance from experienced leaders, Binnington’s resilience and skill on the ice could become key assets for Canada as they advance in their quest for victory.