4 Nations Face-Off: Team Canada yet to decide on starting goalie

Team Canada's head coach, Jon Cooper, remains uncertain regarding the choice of goalie for the opening match of the 4 Nations Face-Off against Sweden on Wednesday.

“Can you see deep into my soul who it is?” Cooper remarked after the team's initial practice on Monday. “They will be informed tonight, and everyone will know thereafter.”

The decision will be between Adin Hill, Jordan Binnington, or Sam Montembeault.

Criticism of Canada's goaltending choices
Canada has faced considerable criticism from both fans and media concerning their goaltending selections for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

In what is arguably the weakest group among the four participating nations, this situation poses a significant vulnerability for a Canadian team that is favored to win the tournament. It is likely that there will be frequent changes among the three goaltenders, depending on who is performing well.

“I think all three guys have had their moments,” said Team Canada forward Mark Stone.

“Two of our guys have led their teams to Stanley Cups. I saw it firsthand with ‘Hiller,’ in big games he was there for us and made sure he shut the door when need be. I’ve seen ‘Binner’ do it. I’ve watched some of the Montreal games, and ‘Monty’ has been playing some great hockey."

Hill currently holds a goals against average of 2.69 and a save percentage of .900 for the Vegas Golden Knights this season, while Binnington of the St. Louis Blues has a GAA of 2.83 and a save percentage of .899.

Montembeault is likely to be the odd one out when decisions are made, as he has recorded a GAA of 2.99 and a save percentage of .898 this year with the Montreal Canadiens.

There are numerous inquiries regarding the team's choice not to include Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson, who has recently been awarded a significant contract extension and is contending for the Vezina Trophy this season.

However, NHL analyst Steve Valiquette has indicated that Canada's assistant coaches, Bruce Cassidy and Peter DeBoer, did not maintain a favorable relationship with Thompson during his tenure with the Golden Knights.

Alternative options could have included Darcy Kuemper, who boasts a GAA of 2.19 and a save percentage of .918, or veteran Marc-Andre Fleury, who not only has superior statistics (2.57 GAA, .910 SV%) compared to the three current goalies but also merits selection based on respect.

Ultimately, only time will reveal whether Canada made the appropriate choices in their selections.

4 Nations Face-Off Schedule
The full schedule, along with viewing options for the 4 Nations Face-Off, is provided below, courtesy of the official NHL website.

Wednesday, February 12th
Canada vs. Sweden, 8 p.m. ET; MAX, truTV, TNT, SN, TVAS

Thursday, February 13th
United States vs. Finland, 8 p.m. ET; ESPN, ESPN+, SN, TVAS

Saturday, February 15th
Finland vs. Sweden, 1 p.m. ET; ABC, ESPN+, SN, TVAS
United States vs. Canada, 8 p.m. ET; ABC, ESPN+, SN, TVAS
At TD Garden, Boston

Monday, February 17th
Canada vs. Finland, 1 p.m. ET; MAX, truTV, TNT, SN, TVAS
Sweden vs. United States, 8 p.m. ET; MAX, truTV, TNT, SN, TVAS

Thursday, February 20th
Championship game, 8 p.m. ET; ESPN, ESPN+, SN, TVAS.