Jordan Binnington to Start for Canada in Olympic Opener Against Czechia
In a strategic move for their Olympic opener, Hockey Canada announced that Jordan Binnington will be the starting goalie against Czechia. This decision comes after Binnington’s impressive performance in the 4 Nations Face-Off last February, where he started in all four games and helped secure the title for Canada.
Matchup Details
For the Czech team, Lukáš Dostál will take the net, presenting a significant challenge for them. Despite his struggles in the NHL this season, where he holds an .864 save percentage and a 3.65 goals-against average, Binnington’s track record provides confidence in his abilities during high-pressure situations.
Binnington’s History of Success
Cooper, the Canadian head coach, expressed trust in Binnington’s capability to perform on big stages. He highlighted the goalie’s success during critical moments, notably when Binnington led the St. Louis Blues to victory in the 2019 Stanley Cup as a rookie.
Canadian Roster Overview
- Starting Goalie: Jordan Binnington
- Backup Goalie: Darcy Kuemper (Los Angeles Kings)
- Third Goalie: Logan Thompson
The Canadians will continue their Olympic campaign shortly after the opener, with a match against Switzerland scheduled for Friday, followed by a final round-robin game against France.
Performance Statistics
| Goaltender | Save Percentage | Goals-Against Average |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan Binnington | .864 | 3.65 |
| Logan Thompson | .912 | 2.45 |
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Binnington, hoping he can replicate his past success. The matchup against Czechia will be crucial in setting the tone for Canada’s Olympic journey.
