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Hundreds of Blues fans – drunk, hung up or somewhere in between – were sandwiched under OB Clark's back balcony in Brentwood on Thursday, spotting their beloved Blues – some drunken, and so on.
It was easy to point out most of the Stanley Cup champions: Ryan O'Reilly with the Conn Smythe Trophy, Alexander Steen with his gaping, gaping smile, or Joel Edmundson with aviator sunglasses and a blue T-shirt. above the navel.
But there was this other guy over there, shuffling in a suit.
"Who is it?" Asked a spectator.
It was Ville Husso, the guy who could have been Jordan Binnington.
Husso was actually in front of Binnington on the Blues goalkeeper's depth card, but Husso was injured. Who said that if Husso had been healthy, he would not have become the Cinderella of the city? But in a historical twist, Husso's injury allowed Binnington to try his luck … and become an undisputed legend of St. Louis.
"It's an incredible story," Malcolm Subban, Vegas goaltender Golden Knights, a long-time friend of Binnington, said on Thursday. "But at the same time, I was just waiting for his opportunity – I saw what he could do when he was young. I'm not surprised what he did. It's a dream and I'm glad it has come true for him. "
Binnington's tale is now one for storybooks and scripts. The fourth-string goaltender takes over for a hard-working team. Gets a white game for the first time. Spearheads a reversal impossible. Won the seventh Stanley Cup game with an epic performance. It's Kurt Warner for the Rams. Adam Wainwright, rookie number 50 for the Cardinals. Roy Hobbs for knights.
Binnington, tireless, has always responded to the call after a defeat, best seen in the seventh game when the savior St. Louis made many stops, acrobatic and dramatic. At about 11 minutes from the end and St. Louis only 2-0, Binnington extended his right leg to the ice to stop a shot by Joakim Nordstrom, while Binnington's torso sank. If they ever make a statue, that's the picture.
"He makes an incredible backup and gets up as if nothing has happened," Steen said. "He is so connected. His attitude was incredible. His work ethic, his professionalism. He's a young man, but he's mentally tough like nails. "
Like his older brother, P.K., Malcolm Subban was a defender until the age of 12 or so.
"And Jordan was the only guard against whom I hated playing – he was so big," said Subban about his former classmate. "What he's always been able to do is use his size. He has always been a great guy, but I think there are guys who are fat and who do not know how to play big. But he uses it to let the puck hit him. He is not everywhere. There is not too much extra movement. "
On May 2, 2009, the draft day of the Ontario Hockey League, the two boys were 15 years old. Even though they were in different cities that day, they said they would follow the project together online via Skype.
"He was chosen (in the second round) – and he waited for me," said Subban. "And all he did was," Oh my God, I can not believe you're going so late. Looking at some of the other guys leaving, and him thinking that I should go higher and everything. … It was definitely a few hours, I would say.
"I was 11th round. I was the 218th choice. We sit there, refreshing the page. But that shows how good he is and that's why we've been friends for so long and so close. He was there for me when I needed him, and vice versa. It is good to talk if something is wrong with hockey. We have always been aware of the year. OHL, AHL and NHL too.
"It's a moment you do not forget: he has always been a good friend, a loyal man."
Binnington believed in Binnington. As is Subban. But the Blues believed in Husso. He is two years younger, a considerable advantage. And really, it is possible that Husso is in the Blues as a rookie next season, but as a replacement for Binnington. But this season, Husso's ankle injury prevented him from playing. So the Blues sent Chad Johnson back (remember?) And called Binnington. The night before in Philadelphia, Blues heard this old song "Gloria". And against the Flyers, Binnington has been glorious. Suddenly, the storybook began – and came with a soundtrack.
"He's been absolutely a stud all season, all playoffs," said Blues defenseman Colton Parayko, who was not so bad himself in the playoffs. "It's so special to do that, and he's played such a big role. Ah! I love these guys. "
Later in the afternoon on Thursday, as the crowd swelled in front of OB Clark, Binnington was spotted. And he was introduced into the crowd. Dozens of cell phone cameras have captured the moment. An angle seen on social media showed a fan hoisting a Blues jersey behind Binnington – the # 1 uniform and the nameplate: STANLEY. Binnington wore a black hat, a black t-shirt, and a broad smile. "Binnington," they chanted. Beer, he swallowed.
He is a living legend in St. Louis, a city in which he lived only six months.
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