Leading into the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, one question is at the forefront when it comes to Team Canada. Fortunately, one question among the goalies that has been answered is that Jordan Binnington will be the game one goalie for Canada versus Team Sweden. However, just how the goaltending depth chart shakes down and when, and if, Adin Hill and Sam Montembeault get into games, is yet to be determined. So, let’s break down the stats, and see who should get into the games.
Team Canada Goalies Might Be Facing an Uphill Battle
Of the three tenders, two have Stanley Cup championships under their belts and the other is playing on his home rink. Of course, Montembeault of the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens, calls the Bell Centre home, which will act as the host for the tournament opener later today.
As for Team Canada international experience, the goaltenders do have some. For starters, Binner had two appearances in the 2013 World Junior Hockey Championships. Also, he played in eight games, going 6-2 at the 2024 Men’s World Hockey Championships. As for Adin Hill, he managed three games at the 2021 WHC. Finally, Monty had a 2016 World Junior appearance. That goes along with the seven times he played at the 2023 WHC.
It’s not an overabundance by any means, but that bit of Team Canada experience will be helpful. For example, even if Montembeault is considered the third guy, and doesn’t see a minute of action, his time here will be hugely beneficial for the growth and maturity of his game overall. Being in a locker room with legends of the sport only grows who you are as a person, much less a hockey player. The Team Canada experience is not a lot, but it probably was one of the criteria for selecting the team. Logan Thompson, fresh off his contract extension with the Eastern Conference leading Washington Capitals is a big omission according to many. Furthermore, he even played at the 2022 WHC. But, Thompson didn’t see action during the 2023 Vegas Golden Knights Stanley Cup run, due to injury.
Looking at the Statistical Breakdown for the Men with the Pads
The other side of the coin is that neither of the Canadian trio of goalies has had particularly strong numbers this year. Combine this with the fact, that neither is playing hot recently. Binnington has an .889 SV% over his past ten games. Meanwhile, Hill is at .895 and Monty .894. Someone will have to find their game, and find it quick. Any tournament, but especially this eight-day sprint, will have little-to-none margin of error.
If we take a look around the tournament, we will say that the Canadians don’t stack up all that bad overall. According to moneypuck, here are some of the leaders and goalies from this tournament goals-saved above expected (minimum 15 games played). The game one Canadian starter, Binnington, comes in rank 34th in the NHL, at GSAx of 0.2 in 39 contests.
*Not in 4 Nations tournament
| Rank | Country | Name | GP | GSAx |
| 1 | USA | Hellebuyck | 43 | 27.8 |
| 2 | Canada* | Thompson | 31 | 26.8 |
| 6 | Sweden | Gustavsson | 37 | 14.6 |
| 13 | Sweden | Markstrom | 36 | 11.3 |
| 14 | Sweden | Ullmark | 25 | 11.1 |
| 19 | USA | Oettinger | 40 | 9.3 |
| 21 | Canada | Hill | 34 | 8.8 |
| 22 | Canada | Montembeault | 42 | 8 |
Therefore, as we kick-off the tournament today, with Canada versus Sweden, Canada will need to find some timely saves. Binnington has been known to elevate his game when it is needed most. Moreover, Hill was one of Vegas’ main goalies during their recent 2023 cup. Finally, Montembeault, playing in front of his usual home crowd, should be able to handle the pressure. That is, assuming he does see any action at all. Of course, as they say, great goaltending wins championships. And luckily for Canada, despite some possible lacklustre personal numbers, these goalies know what it takes to get it done.
Main Photo Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
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