Emotional and Intense Journey Ends with a Quick Turnaround
When Jordan Binnington and Colton Parayko conclude their emotional journey representing Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off on Thursday against the United States, it will mark the end of a whirlwind 10 days. The championship game at TD Garden in Boston is a significant milestone, but the transition back to the St. Louis Blues will be equally challenging. Both players have had to shift their focus from an NHL mindset to international competition, a shift that can be both mentally and physically taxing. The Blues, currently with a 25-26-5 record, have a pair of home games scheduled for this weekend, against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday and the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday. While their teammates have been back on the ice since Tuesday, preparing for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, Binnington and Parayko will have minimal time to rest and readjust.
Coach Montgomery’s Considerations
Blues coach Jim Montgomery understands the unique demands this quick turnaround places on Binnington and Parayko. "We’re going to have to look to definitely give them more rest," he said. "They’re going to have to play games for us, we know that. But if we’re coming in, maybe we tell them to stay home a couple days so that they can regenerate the batteries because not only have they not had the break that we all had, but they’re playing real intense … the game [Thursday] is going to be emotional, it’s going to be physically and mentally draining. They need a break from that." Montgomery’s approach reflects the delicate balance between maintaining team performance and ensuring the well-being of his players. The coach is keen to see Binnington and Parayko return with a gold medal, hoping that their success will bring a winning culture back to the Blues’ locker room.
Binnington’s Likely Schedule
For Jordan Binnington, the return to action is somewhat structured. He is almost certain to get Saturday’s game off against the Winnipeg Jets, which will allow him to rest after the intense tournament. Joel Hofer, who hails from Winnipeg, is expected to start in Binnington’s place. This decision not only provides Binnington with the necessary downtime but also gives Hofer a chance to shine in front of his hometown crowd. The Jets, currently on an eight-game winning streak, have also been represented in the 4 Nations Face-Off by key players like Connor Hellebuyck, Kyle Connor, and Josh Morrissey, who are likely to get the same treatment. The intention is to ensure that all players who participated in the tournament can recover and perform at their best when they rejoin the NHL action.
Parayko’s Unwavering Commitment
Colton Parayko, on the other hand, faces a more demanding return. He leads the Blues in ice time, averaging 24:13 per game, which is a career high for him in the NHL. "He’s going to play both games, and he’s going to play 24 minutes," Montgomery said with a laugh. "He’s a physical specimen, he takes care of himself so well and he loves to compete, loves being a Blue." Parayko’s dedication and physical fitness will be crucial in managing the back-to-back games. Montgomery’s confidence in Parayko’s ability to handle the workload underscores the player’s incredible resilience and work ethic. Parayko’s average ice time for Canada was significantly lower at 18 minutes, which might provide some relief as he transitions back to the Blues.
Shared Hope for a Gold Medal
The Blues organization is invested in the success of its players at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Montgomery added, "Hopefully, him and ‘Binner’ come back with a gold medal, as does Davey [Alexander], Elliott [Mondou] and Doug [Armstrong]. ‘Army’ comes back with a … I don’t know if it’s a gold medal, I don’t know what they’re winning. Extra money in their pocket, whatever, right? Hopefully they come back victorious and bring that winning culture right here into our locker room and spray it around." The coach’s lighthearted comment belies a deep-seated hope for his players to achieve personal and national glory. The idea that a successful tournament could positively influence the team’s morale and performance is a significant motivating factor.
Preparing for the Weekend
While Binnington and Parayko will be traveling back to St. Louis on Friday, the rest of the Blues team has been preparing for the upcoming games. Montgomery has been assessing the team’s needs and making strategic adjustments to ensure readiness for the weekend’s opponents. The Blues will need to be at their best, especially given the Jets’ recent winning streak and the Avalanche’s formidable lineup. Both games will be crucial in the Blues’ push for a better standing in the league. The team’s collective effort, along with the fresh energy and potential gold medal victories from Binnington and Parayko, could be just what they need to turn their season around.
