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Without Binnington, Team Canada Was Out of the Olympics

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Old Prof | Last updated Feb 18, 2026 4:25 PM ET

During Team Canada’s quarterfinal game (a 4-3 overtime win against Team Czechia), everyone was watching Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby — until the second period — when Crosby left with an injury — do their thing. Who critiques them? Meanwhile, at least one Team Canada player was getting questioned. That was goalie Jordan Binnington.

If that hasn’t changed after Canada’s overtime win in one of the toughest, most pressure-packed games ever, then people simply didn’t watch. Binnington has proven he’s Canada’s anchor. Big saves, frantic moments, and somehow he’s just cool as a breeze while the chaos rages around him.

From the Start of the Game, Binnington Was In It

From the start, Binnington was all in. With overtime coming, Czechia buzzing in front of him and rebounds bouncing everywhere, he remained calm and stopped everything. Even shots that came from clear-cut defensive breakdowns? No problem. Honestly, he was exactly the steady presence Canada needed in the crease.

And the thing is that people doubted him. During the regular season with the St. Louis Blues, Binnington had rough patches. But in a game like today’s, he wasn’t just standing there. He was carrying a bit of the team. Every save, every look at his teammates was basically telling his team, “I’ve got this, you play your game.” That’s the kind of presence that makes you notice a goalie.

Binnington Carries His Confidence So that Everyone Can See It

Off the ice, Binnington’s presence is just as important. Young players can see he’s been through these moments before, and it shows. He’s calm in everything he does. He’s steady. He’s calm and steady in everything he does—and interestingly, it’s anything but subtle. It’s his own unique brand of leadership. But for Team Canada, it’s exactly what they need.

You can’t quantify what Binnington brings in numbers, but teams notice it when they need it most.

Today’s Team Canada Escape Doesn’t Make the Rest of the Olympics Easier

Looking ahead, the tournament isn’t going to get any easier. More games, more pressure. But if the quarterfinal was any sign, Binnington is ready. He’s flashy, but he’s not a headline machine. He leaves that for others.

Games like this show exactly why Binnington matters: Team Canada’s forwards can light it up, but eventually, the other team figures it out—and Czechia did just that. They threw everything at Canada from all angles. Binnington? He held the fort. Without him, that win doesn’t happen. The saves, the calm under chaos, and the confidence he gives the whole team add up to a lot. When the heat is on, he’s the very goalie you want in your crease.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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