Mackenzie Blackwood has not had any discussions with Team Canada

Jonathan Di Gregorio
Mackenzie Blackwood has not had any discussions with Team Canada
Credit: x @Covers

After months of speculation, we finally know the line-up of the Canadian hockey team for this winter's Olympic Games, the first with NHL players since Sochi 2012.

We've also learned that Nick Suzuki will be wearing Canada's colors in February.

However, if you look at the Canadiens' roster, you'll notice one notable absentee: goalie Mackenzie Blackwood.

Team Canada has selected Darcy Kuemper, Logan Thompson, and Jordan Binnington as its goalkeeping line-up.

The problem is that Blackwood has better statistics than the three goalkeepers selected, whether in terms of his 2.15 goals-against average or his .924 save percentage.

He even ranks second in wins with fewer starts than his three compatriots, as he had to miss the start of the season with a lower-body injury that forced him to miss orientation camp in August.

However, since his return to action in November, Blackwood has been truly dominant in front of the net.

When asked if he could make the Canadiens squad in the event of injury, the Avalanche goaltender replied that he had had no discussions with management.

Still, he's disappointed with the situation, as the Thunder Bay native thought he had a 50/50 chance of being called up for the Olympics.

It's all the more surprising that Team Canada decided to go with Binnington, who has had a rather ordinary season so far.

The Blues' goalkeeper has had similar statistics and performances to Samuel Montembeault since the start of the campaign.

I imagine that Binnington's victory during the Four Nations was a big factor in the decision to call on him, and even in a third-team role, he'll be able to bring his experience to the others, but I think Team Canadiens should have gone with the best possible goaltending line-up.

Especially since Blackwood might also have been a better choice than Kuemper and Thompson.


Overtime

– Shaking it up.

– The forgotten.

– Big day for Tom Wilson.

– What a trade.

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