"Team Canada opens up group play at the 2026 Winter Olympics against Czechia on Thursday morning. The team held its final full practice before the game on Wednesday, with many hoping to gain insight into head coach Jon Cooper's initial lineup decisions, particularly regarding his starting goaltender. All three goalies, Jordan Binnington, Logan Thompson, and Darcy Kuemper, were on the ice for the skate. However, Cooper refused to reveal to the media which of the three would get the nod against the Czechs."
"Binnington has been the clear worst of the three goalies in the NHL this season statistically, but Cooper may be showing loyalty to the St. Louis Blues backstop after his performance last year. In 32 appearances for the Blues this season, Binnington is 8-17-6 with a 3.65 goals-against average, a .864 save percentage, and one shutout. Canada opens its tournament with back-to-back games, playing the Czechs on Thursday and the Swiss on Friday."
Team Canada began group play at the 2026 Winter Olympics against Czechia after a final full practice the day before. All three goaltenders—Jordan Binnington, Logan Thompson and Darcy Kuemper—skated, but head coach Jon Cooper declined to name a starter. Binnington tended his own net while Thompson and Kuemper split duties. Binnington's NHL numbers this season are poor (8-17-6, 3.65 GAA, .864 save percentage, one shutout), yet Cooper may reward his previous international performance. Canada faces the Czechs then the Swiss, and Cooper indicated it is likely two different goalies will start those games.
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