scheduled tribe. LOUIS – Blues goalkeeper Jordan Binnington will never have to buy a beer in St. Louis as long as he lives. He backstopped the Blues to the Stanley Cup in 2019, and while he has struggled at times over the past few seasons, Binnington will always be remembered for that magical playoff run.
Despite his recent struggles later in the season, Binnington turned back the clock at the Enterprise Center on Sunday afternoon, giving the Blues a 5-2 win over Wilde.
After handing the net to fellow goalkeeper Ville Husso to start the playoffs, Binnington waited his turn, and the end felt like a sure-win game. He responded with 28 saves in Game 4, disappointing the Wilds with his consistent play between the pipes, and leading the Blues to a very important victory.
“It felt good,” said Binnington. “It was so much fun being out there and competing,”
Never mind that since hoisting the Stanley Cup on June 12, 2019, Binnington entered the game with a 0-9 postseason record. Never mind that he had 4.20 goals-averaging and .875 saving percentage over that period.
As far as Blues coach Craig Berub is concerned, Binnington could be a difference maker.
“We wanted to make a switch,” Berub said. “Just change the pace and look a little bit. I thought he was really good tonight. He played the puck exceptionally well. It’s a big deal. He looked so cool and cool in the nets.”
Not bad for a guy who had to wait almost a week to play. ,
Although there was some speculation in the hours before the game, Binnington found that he was starting Saturday afternoon before practice.
“He’s always the same,” said Berub. “He doesn’t give me much feedback. He just said, ‘Okay.’ He’s the same. He’s a quiet guy. He doesn’t show much emotion in that area. He just goes and plays.”
Maybe that’s exactly what the blues need once the series takes over from Wilde.
“It was awesome,” said Jordan Kyaru, who had a few goals in the game. “Binner played Unreal.”
While there are elements to Binnington’s game that make a tangible difference on the ice – his ability to play the puck stands out because it takes some of the pressure off the defensemen – the fact that he has won a Stanley Cup leaves no doubt. Not that the blues have got some confidence. ,
“It’s because of these games we play,” Binnington said. “It was an opportunity for me tonight. We played a game, and we kept it tight. Now we turn our attention to the next match and prepare.”
It is safe to assume that the Blues will be preparing for Game 5 with Binnington as their starter.
