Jordan Binnington didn't hold back in an interview with The Athletic when asked how he feels about those who think last season was a fluke. The 26-year-old, who before last season had only played one game in the NHL, says he's looking forward to proving anyone who doubts him wrong.
"It's part of it, right? I love it. People put me under the gun, and it might not be perfect, it might not be right away. But I'll turn that gun right back around and point it back at you," he told Athletic reporter Jeremy Rutherford.
Binnington was a key factor in the St. Louis Blues going from last place in the NHL all the way to the Stanley Cup in 2018-2019. In 32 regular season games, he posted a 24-5-1 record, with a .927 save percentage and a 1.89 goals against average. He was stellar again in the Blues playoff run, as he became the first rookie goalie to win 16 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, going 16-10 with a 2.46 GAA and .914 save percentage. He was also named a finalist for the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year.
Binnington was rewarded for his excellent play with a two-year, $8.8-million contract with St. Louis during the summer. He and the Blues open the season Wednesday night against Washington, in a battle of the two most recent Stanley Cup champs.
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