Team Canada and Blues goalie Jordan Binnington sparks controversy after refusing to be pulled
Photo credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Future Team Canada goalie and current Blues' Jordan Binnington refused to be pulled in last night's game, while his backup, Joel Hofer, went hiding in the tunnel.
The Blues' goaltending pair of Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer had one of the more entertaining performances of the season, as they struggled through their 7-3 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.
Binnington, in goal to open the contest, suffered an .800 save percentage and -2.06 goals scored above expected on 35 shots he faced. With the Hawks scoring their seventh goal of the night, coach Jim Montgomery tried to go to Hofer in goal.
What Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer did that made the moment go viral
However, Binnington declined the exchange. Hofer, for his part, also seemed reluctant to go on the ice as he was caught hiding in the tunnel with just his head popping out from the side of the wall.
Binnington didn't give up any more goals after that moment, but it was too little too late. St. Louis is currently seventh in the Central Division with a 17-19-8 record, four points away from a playoff spot in a very shaky Western Conference.
Why goaltending is a major concern for the Blues
Goaltending has been a major concern for the Blues. They currently rank with the worst save percentage in the league at .878.
Hofer has better numbers between the two, with a 9-8-2 record, a save percentage of .900, three shutouts, and a 5v5 GSAx of 0.6.
Binnington, on the other hand, is the weaker goalie with an 8-11-6 record, a save percentage of .871, one shutout, and a 5v5 GSAx of -8.41.
Even with this difficulty, Binnington surprisingly made the cut to the Olympic roster for Canada the previous week, leaving many perplexed, but having previously impressed at the 4 Nations Face-Off competition from last season.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 8 | 172 ANSWERS Team Canada and Blues goalie Jordan Binnington sparks controversy after refusing to be pulled Will Jordan Binnington be an unnecessary distraction for Team Canada? | ||
| Yes | 131 | 76.2 % |
| No | 41 | 23.8 % |
| List of polls | ||