The St. Louis Blues enter Sunday's Game 7 of their Western Conference First Round series against the Winnipeg Jets relying on goaltender Jordan Binnington, who has a perfect record in the decisive playoff situation. Binnington will play his third career Game 7 in the National Hockey League.
Binnington won both of his previous Game 7 starts during the Blues' 2019 run to the Stanley Cup. That playoff included victories over the Dallas Stars in the second round and the Boston Bruins in the Final.
Coach Jim Montgomery, who coached the Stars team Binnington eliminated in 2019, expressed confidence in the goalie ahead of Sunday's game. Montgomery described Binnington as a "proven winner" who brings a calming presence and instills confidence in his teammates.
Blues captain Brayden Schenn said there is no other goalie he would rather have in net for a Game 7. Schenn pointed to Binnington's performance during the 2019 Cup Final as evidence of his ability to rise to big moments. Defenseman Cam Fowler, playing in his first Game 7 with Binnington, also cited the goalie's track record and calm demeanor. Fowler called him the "total package."
Beyond the Stanley Cup playoffs, Jordan Binnington also performed well on a large stage at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament earlier this year, helping Canada defeat the United States in the championship game. Montgomery noted that Binnington's ability to perform in big moments makes him special.
In his two previous Game 7 appearances, Binnington has stopped 61 of 63 shots, resulting in a .968 save percentage. Including the 4 Nations Face-Off final, he has stopped 92 of 96 shots in those three high-stakes games, posting a .958 save percentage.
Binnington also provides an advantage with his puck-handling skills. Defensemen Colton Parayko and Philip Broberg said his ability to move the puck behind the net helps the team exit their own zone cleanly and play a more aggressive style. This can also reduce the physical wear and tear on the defensemen from forechecking forwards.
The Blues will face the Jets and goalie Connor Hellebuyck in Winnipeg, the same city where Binnington made his NHL playoff debut in 2019. Binnington's teammates expect him to remain focused despite the pressure.
Nathan Walker kept it simple when asked about Binnington's readiness. "He's just locked in," Walker said. "That's it."
Broberg echoed that sentiment heading into Sunday's game.
"It’s Binner, right?" Broberg said. "We’re all excited for it."
