St. Louis Blues‘ 6th year goaltender Jordan Binnington(50) was the difference maker in the team’s first ever 2019 Stanley Cup Championship.
In game 7, he stopped 32 of 33 stops to gain the victory.
Recalled in early January, he got his first start a couple of days later and won 13 of 15 with one overtime loss to help right a team that had fallen to last in the standings.
Through 32 NHL games he posted a 24-5-1 record with a league best 1.89 GAA and .927 SV% that lifted the club up to 45-28 mark, good enough for 99 points and third in the Central Division.
Previously he elevated their affiliate San Antonio Rampage to good standing before leaving with an 11-4 record, 2.08 GAA and .927 SV%.
Signed to three consecutive 1-year extensions after his entry level deal was up, he is set to become a restricted free agent as July 1 approaches.
The almost 26-year old is going to be due a big pay increase and long term contract for the possible 2018/2019 Calder Trophy winner.
It also must have been a little weird to give and get well-wishes from Boston Bruins‘ opponents, former Providence Bruins 2017/2018 teammates, where he was reassigned to get some playing time that season.
Jordan Binnington (30)
St. Louis Blues‘ 3rd round pick in the 2011 draft (#88 overall) goaltender Jordan Binnington(30) has one of the more interesting artist renderings on his mask for 2014/2015.
That’s Will Smith as The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air that graces one side of his cage.
The story goes he is a huge fan of the actor in the tv show and thinks he can basically do no wrong on the silver screen.
Between the pipes the 2nd year net minder is earning his keep with minor league affiliate Chicago Wolves.
The 6’1″ 176 lbs. backstop has a 11-6 record in 19 AHL games with a 2.33 GAA, .911 SV% and one shutout.
He played the majority of his rookie season in the ECHL posting similar stats but was fairly outstanding in three Kelly Cup Playoff games going 1-1-1 with a 1.89 GAA and .946 SV%.
The 21-year old won the 2011 OHL Championship and was voted Outstanding Goalie at the Memorial Cup despite not winning.
He was also named 2013 Goaltender Of The Year in his final season with Owen Sound Attack.
He’s received one recall and probably isn’t too far from an NHL start.