The St. Louis Blues had one of their most interesting victories of the 2025-26 season, defeating the Ottawa Senators 2-1. It was a hard-fought bout that was filled with a key injury to a top-six skater, fisticuffs that could finally bring this team together, and the emergence of a goaltender that might have just been given the keys to the kingdom.
Let's talk about this game, and hit a little more on that last point.
Is this Joel Hofer's team now?
This was a wild game, with the Blues not getting any kind of offense going for most of the game. And then, they leave backup goaltender Joel Hofer out to dry with four penalty kills in the first period, including a double-minor from Robert Thomas just five minutes into the game.
Hofer had to stand on his head in this game, and was awarded the hard-fought win. It would have been even sweeter if he was able to stand strong against the Sens' final push in the third period, and shut them out for his third shutout of the season.
With the consistent ruckus caused by Jordan Binnington, the split of starts might have moved the scale in the opposite direction. Up until this point, Binnington has 17 starts to Hofer's 11. It would not be a surprise for head coach Jim Montgomery to go to Hofer more often now after that performance on Saturday.
Both goalies have not been great, and this showing by Hofer was seen a few times this season. But, they have been once in a blue moon, and not nearly as consistent as they should be.
For argument's sake, Binnington might only have one or two more chances to right his wrongs before Hofer is given the keys. After that, Binnington will slide into the backup role, or if things really hit the fan, No. 50 could be suiting up for another team.
The Blues need to embrace themselves for the potential success this season and the very bright future ahead. That starts with locking up a dependable and younger netminder, like Hofer.