Binnington comes up clutch again for Canada

Jordan Binnington arrived in Italy as a major question mark in Canada's crease.

MILAN – Jordan Binnington arrived in Italy as a major question mark in Canada’s crease.

Whether the St. Louis Blues netminder — amid a miserable NHL season — was the right man for the Olympic job was already a national debate before the hockey powerhouse teetered on the brink of a catastrophic early exit.

Those doubts never crept into the dressing room. And on Wednesday night, he justified that belief.

Before Mitch Marner played overtime hero in a nerve-racking 4-3 quarterfinal win over Czechia at the Milan Cortina Games, Binnington stepped up for his country — again — with crucial saves to keep Canada breathing.

“That’s Binner for you,” said defenceman Drew Doughty. “Big saves, big times.”

Moments after Nick Suzuki equalized with a country-rocking deflection late in the third period, Binnington stood his ground as speedy Czech forward Martin Necas barrelled down on a breakaway with just over one minute remaining in regulation. Canadian fans — at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena and back home — breathed a sigh of relief.

In overtime, he jumped out of his crease to cut the angle and thwart a slot-shot from Radim Simek after a defensive breakdown. Twenty seconds and a line change later, Marner danced through a cluster of Czech players and shovelled a backhand over Lukas Dostal’s shoulder.

“So many moments in that game that were huge for our team,” Marner said. “Nick’s game-tying goal, Binnington’s save on Necas there late … some big plays in that game, and lucky enough, I was able to just make one that finished it.”