The St. Louis Blues playoff hopes may come down to their final game of the season. Following a shootout loss on Saturday, the Blues need a regulation win on Tuesday to clinch a playoff spot. If the Blues do not win in regulation, even if they win in overtime or a shootout, then the Blues would need help to reach the playoffs. With Tuesday’s game being so critical, the Blues have lineup decisions to make, including who should start in goal.
Jordan Binnington or Joel Hofer?
Quick Clinching Scenario Update
Before we get into Tuesday’s decision, we do want to mention there is a chance the Blues could have a playoff spot clinched by Tuesday, making their decision non-existent. If the San Jose Sharks beat the Calgary Flames in regulation on Sunday night, then the Blues will clinch a playoff spot.
For the purposes of this article, we are going to assume the Flames beat the Sharks on Sunday, making Tuesday’s game a must-win for the Blues.
Binnington or Hofer? That is the Question!
In his career, Binnington has won the big games for the Blues. He won all 16 playoff games in 2019 to win the Stanley Cup. He has added a few more big wins in the playoffs since then. Furthermore, Binnington performed on the big stage in the 4 Nations Face-Off to help Team Canada claim the championship. In contrast, Joel Hofer has not played in any big games in his NHL career. He has not played in any playoff games, much less a regular-season game that could eliminate the Blues should they lose. As such, it may seem logical to turn to Binnington in the big game on Tuesday.
However, the Blues should consider giving Hofer the start on Tuesday. Yes, he is inexperienced in big games. Yet, recent games show it makes more sense for Hofer to start in the big game.
Binnington Lately
Binnington has given up four goals in his last three starts. Now, not all the allowed goals have been Binnington’s fault. An example could be seen on Saturday, when Jaden Schwartz got a fortunate rebound of a blocked shot and fired it past a sprawling Binnington.
Cha cha now y’all – now it’s time to get funky ? pic.twitter.com/0MLDRJ5KUs
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) April 13, 2025
However, Binnington does not appear to be playing with the same confidence he was during the team’s 12-game winning streak. Granted, the team as a whole have not looked great since the streak ended. We know Binnington can go through low points, just like any other goalie in the league. In the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Binnington allowed nine goals in the first two games of the Blues first-round series before he was replaced by Jake Allen.
Binnington is in a slump right now. Unfortunately, it is coming at a bad time for the Blues.
Hofer Lately
Hofer’s last star came on Monday. He made 24 saves to give the Blues a chance despite only having 15 shots on goal.
Hofer has been great since the season resumed following the 4 Nations Face-Off. In eight starts since the season resumed Hofer has allowed two goals or less in six of his nine starts. Some of those performances have come against playoff-bound teams such as the Washington Capitals and the Los Angeles Kings.
Hofer has been on a hot streak for about two months. Furthermore, some of his performances have come against top teams in the league.
Hofer is the Answer to Tuesday’s Question
If the Blues can get into the playoffs, then the conversation can be had about who should start Game 1. However, the Blues have to get to that point. In order to get to that point, they have to win Tuesday in regulation. The Blues focus right now needs to be winning in 60 minutes. Worry about the rest after that point.
We are by no means suggesting the Blues should phase out Binnington. He is still very much their number one goalie. However, regarding Tuesday’s question, Hofer is the answer.
Main Photo: Walter Tychnowicz- Imagn Images
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