Team Canada should be thanking Jon Cooper for starting St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington. Although it was his Olympic debut, he looked anything but shaky.
The veteran NHL netminder has a Stanley Cup Championship in his trophy case. But, he’s part of a team that is hungry for a Gold Medal. Of all the NHL goaltenders who are on Team Canada, his inclusion made many pundits and fans skeptical.
However, after backstopping the Canadians to a 5-0 victory over Czechia in their opening game of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Binnington is drawing the attention of hockey fans and pundits alike.
Hockey World Reacts to Jordan Binnington’s Shutout
Team Canada’s head coach, Jon Cooper, spoke to the media following their victory over Czechia. He revealed when he decided to make Binnington the starting goaltender.
“Canada coach Jon Cooper on when he decided Jordan Binnington would be his starter for the first game at the Olympics: ‘oh probably about 358 days ago,” Stephen Whyno reported via a post on X.
The reaction to Binnington earning a shutout victory has been largely positive.
“Jordan Binnington mopping up the tears of Canada and all of his haters after their Olympic takes about him age like milk,” wrote one user.
Another user wrote, “With something to play for, Jordan Binnington is suddenly good again.”
Hockey analyst Paul Bissonnette shared his thoughts on Team Canada‘s victory, saying, “Stellar performance in this opener for Canada. Everyone getting involved. Love the lines. Binnington has looked great when tested. All systems go.”
Another hockey analyst wrote, “Binnington proving: GOOD DEFENCE = GOOD GOALTENDING advanced stats be damned.”
“jordan binnington becoming the second coming of jesus christ the moment he puts on a team canada jersey is the funniest bit,” wrote another user on X.
“i was obviously *very* concerned before the tournament, but man is it reliving (and awesome) to see a jordan binnington shutout. if he’s on, canada is SET,” wrote another.
Jordan Binnington Delivers Incredible Shutout Performance
Binnington stopped all 26 shots that he faced, earning himself a shutout.
With his performance against Czechia, Binnington has cemented his international legacy. He has become the eighth NHL goaltender to earn a shutout while playing in the Olympics.
According to TSN’s Statscentre, Carey Price, Roberto Luongo, Bill Ranford, Mike Liut, Rogie Vachon, Martin Brodeur, Patrick Roy, and now Binnington are the only NHL goalies to record a shutout for Team Canada in the Olympics.
That’s incredible company for Binnington to keep.
However, Binnington hasn’t been as impressive during the regular season this year. As ESPN Insights noted on X, he has recorded only one shutout in 32 NHL games this season.
So far in the 2025-26 season, Binnington is sporting an 8-17-6 record to go along with a 3.65 goals against average (GAA) and an .864 save percentage (SV%). That is a far cry from what is being put on display so far at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Team Canada fans don’t have to wait long before they see the team in action again. Canada is scheduled to play Switzerland on Friday, February 13th, 2026. The game will be broadcast at 3:10 PM Eastern Standard Time.
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