Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues will return as Canada’s starting goalie in their final preliminary-round match against France. The game is scheduled for 10:40 AM ET in Milano. This marks Binnington’s second start of the Olympics, following a flawless performance where he stopped all 26 shots in a decisive 5-0 victory over Czechia.
Background on Binnington’s Performance
Binnington faced some scrutiny leading up to his selection for the national team. Statistically, he has struggled compared to other goalies. With an .864 save percentage, he ranks as the worst among 27 goalies with at least 30 starts. Additionally, his -13.68 goals saved above expected is also the lowest.
Past Achievements
Despite these statistics, Binnington has shown resilience in high-pressure situations. He first represented Canada at the 2013 World Juniors as a backup. In 2019, he contributed to the St. Louis Blues’ Stanley Cup win, establishing himself as a capable starter. Notably, he led Canada to gold in the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off. He also achieved two shutouts in three wins during the 2025 World Championship.
Canada vs. France: What to Expect
As Canada looks to secure a perfect 3-0 record in the group stage, they face a French team aiming for their first win. Logan Thompson was the starting goalie in Canada’s second game, contributing significantly with 24 saves in a 5-1 victory.
- Date: TBD
- Time: 10:40 AM ET
- Location: Milano
- Current Team Record: 2-0
- Goal Differential: Key to securing top seed in quarterfinals
Team Lineup Updates
Brad Marchand and Josh Morrissey will not participate in this match. Marchand is considered a healthy scratch, while Julian Junca is set to start for France.
Canada’s success hinges on maintaining their strong performance as they aim for favorable matchups in the upcoming quarterfinals. Supporters eagerly await the team’s next clash against France in this pivotal Olympic tournament.
