The St. Louis Blues had a painfully average season in 2024-25, up until the 4 Nations Face-off. Then, this team went berserk and pulled off one of the most magical runs in franchise history, setting records and making an improbable playoff appearance.
A lot of things went into that dream scenario becoming a reality. The biggest of them being the fact that a Blues icon went from being a scapegoat for the mediocrity, to the unsung hero, once again. This has been a trend throughout this key franchise player's career with this organization, and it happened yet again in 2024-25.
That scapegoat that put on his cape and became a superhero for the 'Lou, was none other than goaltender Jordan Binnington.
The redemption arc was epic
What a run it was. The 2024-25 season was mediocre to more of a disappointment for Binnington, up until the 4 Nations Face-off. Through 39 games up until February 8, Binnington was 15-19-4 with a save percentage of .897.
At that time, he was selected and announced as one of three goaltenders for Team Canada, and the public was not happy about it. But, when he was announced as the starter of Team Canada, and an incredible performance that came after leading them to the final game of the season.
After that championship game against the United States, the Blues would go on a 12-game winning streak, setting a new franchise record. During that span, Binnington was a perfect 7-0, allowing only 13 goals, and giving the Blues a chance to make it into the playoffs. Which they did.
Silenced the haters
Binnington was touted as being on the way out, and his once dominant aura was starting to crack. But, when the spotlight was once again on him to clutch up, he was unstoppable.
The Blues have a chance to make a relatively big splash in 2025-26. There is a chance that this team could go back to the playoffs, and possibly go even further than their game seven heartbreak last season. Binnington is going to be a catalyst for that once again.
From scapegoat to savior, No. 50 still has what it takes to be an elite goalie.