The St. Louis Blues faced significant goaltending challenges during their match against the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night. Starting goalie Jordan Binnington struggled, conceding seven goals—a setback for the Blues as they vie for a Western Conference wild-card position.
Backup Goaltending Dilemma
When Coach Jim Montgomery attempted to replace Binnington, backup goalie Joel Hofer was unexpectedly absent. The broadcast revealed Hofer, 25, sitting away from the team, suggesting he might have been hiding. However, the reality appears to be less dramatic.
In some arenas, including the United Center, bench space is limited. This constraint may have required backup goalies to watch from alternative locations, such as the visitors’ locker room.
Binnington’s Performance
Despite the struggles, Binnington remained in net for the final seven minutes of the game, during which he did not allow additional goals. This performance provided a glimmer of hope amidst a challenging game.
Season Overview
- Binnington has recently been named to Canada’s Olympic roster.
- This season, he has a save percentage of .871 over 26 games.
- His challenges reflect the ongoing struggles of the Blues in a competitive league.
The Blues must address their goaltending situation effectively if they want to secure a playoff spot this season.
