Jordan Binnington’s Olympic Aspirations: Overcoming a Sluggish Start
MONTREAL — Jordan Binnington, the goaltender who led Canada to victory at the 4 Nations Face-Off, is no stranger to adversity. Despite a sluggish start to the NHL season, both for himself and the St. Louis Blues, Binnington remains focused on his goal of representing Canada at the Milan-Cortina Games in February. With his sights set on the Olympic Games, Binnington is drawing on his past experiences to navigate the challenges he currently faces.
As the front-runner to start in the Olympic Games, Binnington’s slow start has raised questions about his position in Canada’s Olympic plan. However, he remains confident in his abilities, stating, “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.” Binnington’s mindset is centered on controlling his “inner world” and focusing on what he needs to do to perform at his best, rather than worrying about external factors.
A Step in the Right Direction
Sunday night’s 4-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens marked a significant step forward for Binnington. He made 23 saves, including a crucial last-second stop against Canadiens sniper Cole Caufield, to earn his seventh win of the season. This strong outing comes amid a difficult campaign for the 32-year-old Ontario native, who is currently posting career-low statistics across the board. Binnington’s.875 save percentage ranks 68th in the league, and his minus-10.86 goals-saved above average is fifth-worst among goalies with at least 10 games played, according to analytics website Natural Stat Trick.
Despite these numbers, Binnington remains focused on his process, stating, “Numbers aren’t necessarily where you want them to be… I’ve been approaching it as just focusing on my own process and what I need to feel good at the right time.” He acknowledges that he hasn’t spoken to Canada’s management team about the Olympic selection, which is less than a month away. Doug Armstrong, the general manager of both the St. Louis Blues and the Canadian team, has not discussed the matter with Binnington, who believes that “nothing needs to be said really, just do your job, focus here and the better the St. Louis Blues do, the better that is for that situation as well.”
A Proven Track Record
One factor working in Binnington’s favor is his proven ability to perform under pressure. He led the St. Louis Blues to the Stanley Cup in 2019, rising from a minor-league goalie to a playoff hero in a matter of months. Binnington also showcased his clutch play during the 4 Nations final, making 31 saves in Canada’s 3-2 win over the United States, including a game-saving desperation glove stop on Auston Matthews in overtime. Blues coach Jim Montgomery praises Binnington’s mental toughness, stating, “If you’re looking at statistics, you would… but Binnington is such a winner. It doesn’t matter the stage, he always has the ability to bounce back because of his mental toughness, his belief in himself, and he was outstanding (Sunday).”
As the Olympic Games approach, Binnington’s ability to overcome adversity and perform under pressure will be crucial in determining his role on the Canadian team. With his focus on his process and his proven track record of success, Binnington remains a strong contender for the starting position. As he continues to work on his game and build his confidence, Binnington is poised to make a strong case for his inclusion on the Canadian Olympic team.
