The St. Louis Blues finally headed back out onto the ice for a preseason matchup against the Dallas Stars. In a 2-1 shootout loss, there were some positives and negatives to be seen in all areas of this team.
One of the gleaming positives, aside from Justin Carbonneau's fantastic debut in the Blue Note, was the readiness of goaltender Jordan Binnington. What a start for the veteran netminder.
Stellar through two periods
Binnington saw action for the first 40 minutes of this game. He looked like he had already hit mid-season form in the first preseason game of the six-game slate. The most important thing to remember, however, is that this loss will not go on his official record
The Stars peppered Binnington with some great chances throughout the night. That included this desperation save that unbelievably was in consideration for save of the night. Goaltending prospect Colton Ellis, who was also fantastic in his own right, had a great save in the final minutes of the third period.
Jordan Binnington in mid-season form already but what else did you expect? pic.twitter.com/NI73DrRg8a
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) September 20, 2025
Officially, Binnington saved 19 of the 20 shots he faced through the two frames. This was a great first effort from the starting goaltender of the 2025-26 Blues, and it is imperative that is this team wants to get back to the postseason that he gets going early. Last season showed a slower start from him, followed by a roller coaster of good and bad performances that stagnated the team's chances.
The Blues may have lost this game, and even though it is the preseason, this loss is going to make an impact on Binnington's season. He will learn from it, as he always does.
Before back-up goalie Joel Hofer is able to get onto the ice, and the projection that the goaltending split might be closer than it has been over the last couple of seasons, Binnington showed exactly how great he still is. He showed the world that he can compete hard, even if it is meaningless hockey.