{"id":478626,"date":"2025-11-28T05:24:32","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T10:24:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=478626"},"modified":"2025-11-27T19:47:17","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T00:47:17","slug":"2026-milano-cortina-winter-olympics-nhl-rumours-team-canada-goalies-debate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/11\/28\/2026-milano-cortina-winter-olympics-nhl-rumours-team-canada-goalies-debate\/","title":{"rendered":"Olympics and NHL Rumours and the Team Canada Goalies"},"content":{"rendered":"

What’s up hockey fans. It’s time for an update, and a very important one at that. Today, we will discuss how the goalies are shaping up for the 2026 Team Canada Olympic roster. This is the latest Olympic and NHL Rumours, with us here as Last Word On Hockey<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Olympic and NHL Rumours and Who Gets the Team Canada Crease<\/h2>\n

Rumour: The analysis originates from a goaltender analyst Kevin Woodley, who was on Sportsnet Central<\/a>. He touches base on many of the leading goaltending options in net for Team Canada. Furthermore, he does so with some statistical analysis.<\/em><\/p>\n

Analysis: He gives a solid overview of many of the available goaltenders. Moreover, he discusses all angles. That includes who were initially the front-runners, where they currently stand, and talks about some of those who are in consideration. He also provides why they are in consideration for a variety of reasons.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We will further this analysis by doing our own investigation and research. In addition, we refer to most of the same goalies that Woodley mentioned.<\/p>\n

In our analysis, we will explore more traditional statistics, as well as an advanced analytic breakdown. The two methods are important. The traditional statistics give you a better picture of the overall impact on his team. For example, even if his record is bad, if you’re posting a stellar save percentage, you are playing well. The other thing that it helps you understand, is sometimes even if the goalie is playing well, if he plays on a bad team, he might not be suitable to quickly flip the switch to a short and intense, elimination-style tournament. This idea of coming into the tournament hot, has long been a top criteria for selecting the Team Canada roster.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, in terms of more advanced analytics, say for instance high-danger save percentage, you don’t necessarily see the why<\/em> behind the final number. If your high-danger save percentage is really good, as an example, it could be because of one of two possibilities. The first, is it is more contingent on yes, excellent goaltending. So easy, go with him. However, you could still consider the contrary. It could be the by-product of a very strong defensive team in front of you. With that in mind, let’s explore further.<\/p>\n

The Goalies, Starting With the Best and Most Controversial<\/h3>\n

Let’s start the discussion by saying that Logan Thompson<\/a> of the Washington Capitals<\/a> needs to be on this team. Not only does he deserve to be there, but Team Canada could use a strong goalie right now, and he might be best. The best, not just for Canada, but in the entire NHL.<\/p>\n

Management<\/a> needs to be careful about past or current feelings and ties. There shouldn’t be feelings involved, this is business. Canada will settle for gold, and no less is the standard. It starts in net.<\/p>\n

Therefore, let’s talk about the specific goalies we feel we need to discuss. Those names include Jordan Binnington<\/a>, Sam Montembeault<\/a>, Adin Hill<\/a>, Mackenzie Blackwood<\/a>, Scott Wedgewood<\/a>, Jake Allen<\/a>, and Jet Greaves<\/a>.<\/p>\n

From the traditional goaltending stats shown below, we see why Wedgewood is getting attention. Impressive considering he is a lifetime backup. In fact, our recent Team Canada roster<\/a> had Wedgewood joining Binnington and Thompson on the squad. It helps he is on the Colorado Avalanche, but his numbers are undeniable. He leads the group in most wins, fewest losses, goals-against average, and save percentage. His numbers are really only rivaled by Thompson. Although, we will add that Darcy Kuemper<\/a> has done very well, in his own right.<\/p>\n

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It is troubling for the returning goalies. Both Binnington and Montembeault have been less than stellar, and it is obvious in these stats. Montembeault has the worst save percentage, meanwhile Binning isn’t anything worthy of a former champion, as he is, Stanley Cup and 4 Nations Face-Off.<\/p>\n

Adin Hill is, of course, the other goalie<\/a> from the 4 Nations tourney. However, in an elimination tournament, we want guys with good rhythm. Not to say he can’t bounce back, but he has been out since October 20th, and only played five, less than ideal games so far in the 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n

As we move on to a more analytic approach, we see why Logan Thompson<\/a> deserves a spot. One of the best all-around cumulative metrics, goals-saved above expected, he has a nice lead in. This is where the group of he, along with Kuemper, Wedgewood, and also Jet Greaves<\/a> have put themselves on the proverbial map. They are leaps and bounds ahead of the others.<\/p>\n

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Graphic credit to: https:\/\/moneypuck.com\/goalies.htm<\/p>\n

So, the goalie we want to talk about, that we didn’t show in the statistical tables, is Mackenzie Blackwood<\/a>. Understandably so, as he is coming off back-to-back shutouts, after having missed the first month of the season. If he can get into contests, he will definitely put his name in the hat. Also, there is the familiarity aspect with him and Nathan MacKinnon<\/a> and Cale Makar<\/a>. The trio are teammates in Colorado, not to mention MacKinnon and Makar are two of Canada’s best skaters. Period.<\/p>\n