Mike Segar/Reuters via Imagn Images

Canada's Jordan Binnington answers doubters in Olympic debut

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Feb 12, 2026 5:34 PM ET

Viewed as the favorite to win gold, there was one question that surrounded Team Canada at the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Despite a stacked roster full of legendary names, many wondered if goaltending would be cost the country another deep run the tournament.

But on Thursday, Jordan Binnington put up a performance that may help alleviate some of those concerns. Coming off a rough first half of the 2025-26 NHL season, the St. Louis Blues goalie stood on his head as Canada blanked Czechia 5-0.

While Canada benefited from five goals on 36 shots offensively, including tallies from top stars Macklin Celebrini, Mark Stone and Nathan MacKinnon, Binnington made sure the game was never in doubt. He saved all 26 shots sent his way.

Jordan Binnington's shutout follows his NHL struggles this season

This performance on the Olympic stage follows only going 8-17-6 in 32 appearances and 30 starts this season with the Blues. And his losing record hasn't just been about the struggles of his team either.

Jordan Binnington picks up where he left off at the #4Nations Face-Off

A 26-save shutout for the @StLouisBlues goaltender! #MilanoCortina2026 #WinterOlympics

Watch Canada vs. Switzerland TOMORROW at 3:10p ET on @peacock, @cbcsports and @cbcgem! pic.twitter.com/X7qXEWSc8L
— NHL (@NHL) February 12, 2026

The nine-year NHL veteran has a 3.65 goals-against average and a .864 save percentage, significant below the .900% mark reserved for most quality netminders.

Jordan Binnington has proved himself on big stages before

However, in Binnington's defense, he has proved his worth in the past. He's a former NHL All-Star and led the Blues to the franchise's first Stanley Cup championship in 2019.

Even though Binnington's career has coincided with the NHL's hiatus from sending players to the Olympics, he's no stranger to the international stage. Just last year, Binnington helped Canada win the 4 Nations Face-Off. He went 3-1 with a 2.37 GAA in that event.

And then, Binnington was even better in the World Championships — he was also 3-1 and posted an eye-popping 1.25 GAA.

One shutout isn't enough on its own to guarantee Binnington has conquered his recent demons, but it could be a sign that he's going to be at his best for his country once again.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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