With the NHL allowing their players to compete in the upcoming Olympics in a few months, the powerhouse rosters and formulas for victory from the countries of Canada, USA, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, begin to mend. With the dominance in previous international tournaments from countries like Germany, Latvia, Switzerland, Denmark and Slovakia, this tournament might be an eye opener to everyone on how good each developing their young players are, especially the European.
As Canada went with Jordan Binnington last year in every game of the 4 Nations and brought home the gold, but also raising some eyebrows, will Binnington be back in the crease as starter in the Canada jersey, or will we see a current hot NHL goalie take the throne. As a country who takes pride in our goaltenders and over the past few years has seen some disappointment in international play, what decision will be made and who is the best possible tandem that Canada can throw together. With Roberto Luongo posting a .927 in 2010’s gold run, and Carey Price a .972 in 2014 (bring us back), what current Canadian superstar will take the current hold of the pressure in the Canada jersey
Goalie Guru’s Top 7 Canada Picks (as of December 10):
1.Logan Thompson (Capitals): .925% in 25 games
2.Scott Wedgewood (Avalanche): .919% in 20 games
3. Mackenzie Blackwood (Avalanche): .920% in 10 games
4. Jake Allen (Devils): .908% in 15 games
5. Joel Hofer (Kings): .891% in 15 games
6. Darcy Kuemper (Kings): .914% in 21 games
7. Matt Murray (Kraken): .922 in 5 games (injured)
Hot takes:
Joel Hofer starting the first few games of the year with a below .800 has gotten himself a .891 and 3.18 GAA, which shows he averages around 30 shots a game. He has been a great backup for St. Louis and believe he should be a consideration for Team Canada, as he brought home the World Juniors gold in 2020. He also has a .920% in his last 10 games.
Logan Thompson being our number 1 pick is no surprise to anyone, as he has show his track record in the NHL as being a solid and consistent goaltender. He has a history of being overlooked, as he played USport hockey instead of NCAA in the US, was delt from Vegas after having a strong year prior, and also was not chosen for the 4 Nations roster at all, through having a .910% last season and winning a strong majority of his starts.
Scott Wedgewood has been a serviceable backup his whole career, being known for some flashy, sporadic saves and having some fantastic looking gear on the Devils, Stars, and now Avalanche. He has such strong numbers as his first year as a starter in the NHL (of course some say that is just because of his team). Though he has made some changes to his game over the past year, he looks much more in control and reads shots and plays very well. His all-black True setup is something many Canadian goalie fans want to see in the crease.
