What a showdown between Team Canada and Team Czechia-it might just be the highlight of the 2026 Olympic tournament so far. The Czechs held a 3-2 lead late into the third period, but the Canadians rallied to tie it up, forcing overtime.
Mitch Marner sealed the deal with a clutch shot in the extra frame. Yet, the game likely wouldn't have reached overtime without the heroics of St.
Louis Blues netminder Jordan Binnington.
With just over a minute left in regulation and the game tied, Czech forward Marty Necas had a golden opportunity on a breakaway. It was a one-on-one showdown with Binnington, who came up with a spectacular save. That stop was crucial, as a goal there might have eliminated Canada from the Olympics, despite them boasting one of the most talented rosters in recent memory.
However, Binnington's performance wasn't flawless. He struggled at times, particularly on a couple of breakaway goals where he overcommitted, leaving too much net open for the Czech shooters. And when David Pastrnak has the puck at the faceoff dot, that's a dangerous game to play.
Binnington wrapped up the game with an .875 save percentage, not exactly stellar considering Czechia's offense isn't the most formidable they've faced. With a likely matchup against Team USA looming in the Gold Medal game, there's room for improvement.
Still, Binnington delivered when it counted. His opening shutout of the tournament adds to his credentials, giving head coach Jon Cooper little reason to shake up the goaltending rotation.