The Blues have been blessed with solid goaltending to start preseason, but can it continue?

One of the St. Louis Blues biggest strengths from last season came from their last line of defense, which was the goaltending position. Some might say that it was the best-kept secret in the Western Conference last season, and it seriously helped during the franchise record-breaking 12-game win streak.

Both starting goaltender Jordan Binnington and backup Joel Hofer got their chance to take the ice throughout the first two preseason games of the 2025-26 season. And, much like last season, they both have already gotten off to a great start. Plus, some goaltending prospects also got a chance to make their mark in a limited time.

You might not think that, considering the Blues have lost both of their games, dropping to 0-1-1. No need to panic, however, it is only meaningless hockey.

Can this great goaltending continue throughout the last four preseason games, and then be a strength for the Blues once again in the 2025-26 regular season?

Blessed with goaltending?

The Blues might have lost both of their opening preseason games, but it was not due to bad goaltending. In all honesty, it did not come from bad defense either. The offense has hit a bit of a standstill in terms of actual production, but the development is there for these younger players. That is all that really matters anyway, right?

It started with Binnington's strong performance in the first game of the preseason, against the Dallas Stars. He allowed one goal on 20 shots faced through two periods, which included this fantastic save.

Colten Ellis then came in and finished the night against Dallas. He did not allow a single goal throughout the fiery third period and the dramatic overtime. Unfortunately, he could not shut the door on Dallas in the shootout, but there was enough to be said about his keeping the Blues in this game to warrant some thought on his readiness for the NHL.

Backup goaltender Joel Hofer got things started in game number two against Columbus. He faced 15 shots, allowing two by him through two frames. His .867 save percentage on the night was not an indicator of a poor performance, as he was stellar back there in his first appearance of the year.

Between Hofer and Ellis, there might be more of a battle here than previously thought. After signing a two-year extension this summer, Hofer remains the backup to Binnington for the start of the regular season. But, there is now some pressure from Ellis for that position, which was not apparent last season.

With so many goaltenders having good starts to the year, do the Blues have a dilemma? Probably not, but this many good goalies is a good problem to have.