The St. Louis Blues quickly made a roster move after their embarrassing 6-1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks as the team recalled goaltender Jordan Binnington, giving the Blues three goaltenders and returned youngster Sammy Blais to the San Antonio Rampage, according to St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Tom Timmermann.
It shouldn’t be a surprise as both starters were abysmal Saturday, giving up a combined six goals on just a total of 21 shots. Starter Jake Allen was pulled after allowing three goals in just 14:06 of ice time He made just three saves. However, backup Chad Johnson wasn’t much better as he allowed three more goals on 15 shots. With no injuries reported to either goaltender and the fact that Binnington isn’t an emergency recall, this is likely a sign that coach Craig Berube and the coaching staff want to make a change.
“It’s got to be better. Just like our other players have to be better too,” Berube said. “We gave up eight scoring chances in the game and six goals against. There are a lot of areas that have to be better tonight, for sure.”
While many fans have been clamoring for change from Allen over the last couple of years, Allen was actually playing better of late. However, his overall numbers still remain disappointing with a 3.11 GAA and a .900 save percentage in 22 games. While Johnson showed some promise early, his numbers parallel his statistics from his abysmal season in Buffalo last season. He sports a 3.56 GAA and a .894 save percentage. While the team opted to send Blais down to San Antonio, there is always the possibility that Johnson could find himself on waivers if the team decides it wants some younger blood in the net.
Binnington has been superb in San Antonio this year as he has beaten out heir-apparent Ville Husso as the starter for the Rampage. The 25-year-old veteran has a 2.34 GAA and a .914 save percentage in 13 appearances in San Antonio and boasts an 8-4 record. With the recall, it wouldn’t be surprising if Binnington would get his first start immediately on Tuesday when the Blues face Florida. He has just one game of NHL experience on his resume as he appeared in part of a game back in the 2015-16 season when he played 13 minutes, allowing one goal.
Unreal a team like this is so awful.
maybe call Carolina. not sure if darling and allen contract match up but both need to go somewhere else. as for Johnson amazed after how he played in games I saw of Calgary last year. someone even signed him as a backup.
Binnington was great for Providence last year too. Nice to see him get a shot.