Jordan Binnington's season has been nothing short of a wild ride, punctuated by both highs and lows. It began with an impressive performance, as he secured a shutout victory against the Montreal Canadiens, stopping 26 shots. However, this promising start quickly gave way to a dramatic downturn during a match against the Chicago Blackhawks, where he conceded an astonishing seven goals on just 35 shots, leading to a disheartening 7-3 defeat.
In a moment that could have changed the course of the game, Blues head coach Jim Montgomery indicated a desire to substitute Binnington after the Blackhawks scored their seventh goal in the third period. Unfortunately, backup goalie Joel Hofer was not readily available; he was positioned behind Montgomery in the tunnel leading to the locker room, suggesting that bench space was at a premium in the United Center.
Post-game, Montgomery chose not to elaborate on the attempted goalie change, while Binnington remarkably did not face another shot in the final five minutes and 54 seconds of play. Following this latest loss, Binnington's record for the season fell to 8 wins, 11 losses, and 6 overtime losses, with a save percentage now at .871 alongside a goals-against average of 3.55. This loss marked a significant moment for Binnington, who was starting in consecutive games for the first time since suffering defeats earlier in December against the Anaheim Ducks and the Utah Mammoth.
Despite these recent struggles, there's still evidence of his potential greatness. He delivered a standout performance in the shutout against the Canadiens and a thrilling overtime win against the New York Rangers, where he made 29 saves. However, it’s worth noting that he has struggled in many of his recent starts, registering a save percentage below .900 in nine of his last 11 outings.
Last season, Binnington finished with a record of 28-22-5, alongside a save percentage of .900 and a goals-against average of 2.69. A significant portion of his success came in the latter part of the season, where he achieved a commendable 15-3-2 record in his last 20 games, igniting hopes that his first shutout this season might signal a return to form.
"He was fantastic," praised defenseman Cam Fowler following the win against Montreal. "He gave us a chance to win, making crucial saves at pivotal moments, and was instrumental in earning those two points. Both he and Joel Hofer consistently fight for us and provide opportunities to secure victories. Binner was exceptional tonight."
One of the highlights of Binnington's 2025 campaign occurred during the 4 Nations Face-Off, where he played a vital role in leading Canada to an overtime victory against the United States in the finals. His performance throughout the tournament secured his position on the Olympic team this year.
Team Canada has selected Binnington along with Logan Thompson from the Washington Capitals and Darcy Kuemper from the Los Angeles Kings for its roster. The decision regarding which goaltender will take the starting role next month remains uncertain, adding an intriguing layer of suspense. Currently, Thompson holds a record of 15 wins, 12 losses, and 4 overtime losses with a save percentage of .915 and a goals-against average of 2.40, while Kuemper's stats reflect 12 wins, 7 losses, and 7 overtime losses, with a save percentage of .910 and a GAA of 2.38.
