Amid the buzz of potential Olympic selections, Jordan Binnington, the St. Louis Blues’ goaltender, is focusing on his game as the Olympic selection looms. Having faced a challenging start to the NHL season, Binnington is demonstrating determination and resilience as he navigates both his personal performance and the overall standing of the Blues.
Overview of Binnington’s Performance
Following his successful stint as Canada’s goalie at the 4 Nations Face-Off, Binnington entered the NHL season with high expectations. However, a sluggish start for him and the Blues led to speculations about his place in Canada’s Olympic scheme. Binnington, who made 23 saves in a recent 4-3 win against the Montreal Canadiens, is well aware of the ongoing discussions.
According to him, “I’m aware of what’s going on, and you want to put yourself in the best position to make that team and make it easy for people making the decision.” Despite the pressure, Binnington is focusing on his inner world and what he needs to do to perform at his best.
Recent Performance and Future Goals
Binnington’s recent performance against the Montreal Canadiens was a step in the right direction. In a thrilling game, he thwarted several Grade-A chances and secured his seventh win of the season. Despite a difficult campaign for the 32-year-old Ontario native, Binnington remains focused on his game and is working on improving his career-low stats.
The goaltender admits that the “numbers aren’t necessarily where you want them to be,” but he is committed to focusing on his own process and building his game every day. His strategy is to control what he can and let the rest fall into place, a mindset that has served him well in the past.
Role in the St. Louis Blues and Canadian Olympic Team
While Binnington’s Olympic selection is still uncertain, he has not initiated any direct conversation with Canada’s management team about it. Doug Armstrong, the general manager for both St. Louis and the Canadian team, has yet to discuss the matter with Binnington. The goalie is of the opinion that the St. Louis Blues’ performance will indirectly influence his Olympic prospects.
Despite the Blues’ rocky start to the season and their current low ranking in the Western Conference, Binnington’s teammates have faith in his abilities. Brayden Schenn, the Blues’ captain, attributes Binnington’s low numbers to the team’s poor play early this season, not to the goaltender’s individual performance. He is confident that with improved defense and Binnington’s big saves, the team can bounce back.
Binnington’s Grit and Determination
One of Binnington’s major strengths is his proven ability to step up in big moments. He led St. Louis to the Stanley Cup in 2019, rapidly transitioning from a minor-league goalie to a playoff hero. His mental toughness and self-belief, coupled with his impressive performance at the 4 Nations final, make him a strong contender despite his recent statistics.
In a recent game against the Canadiens, Binnington made a crucial save in the final seconds, demonstrating his ability to make big plays under pressure. His determination and focus, paired with his experience and expertise, make him a player to watch as the Olympic selection draws near.
