St. Louis Blues Recall Goalie Jordan Binnington from AHL Chicago

Sep 22, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Bennington (50) makes a save against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Bennington (50) makes a save against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports /
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With Jake Allen unable to suit up for Saturday night’s game against the Los Angeles Kings, the St. Louis Blues needed to summon a goaltender to back up Brian Elliott.

As Texas Stars beat reporter Sean Shapiro first reported on Saturday morning and the Blues later confirmed, the St. Louis Blues have recalled goaltender Jordan Binnington from the AHL Chicago Wolves. Binnington is expected to suit up as the backup to Brian Elliott for Saturday night’s game against the Los Angeles Kings after Jake Allen suffered an injury in Friday’s loss to the Anaheim Ducks that will at least keep him out for Saturday.

The 22-year-old Binnington has never played in an NHL game, though he did back up Allen for a few days last year after Brian Elliott suffered a knee sprain. He was returned to Chicago after the club signed Martin Brodeur in early December. Bennington, who is in his second full season with the Wolves, is 8-6-2 this year with a 2.57 goals-against average, a .910 save percentage, and one shutout. Binnington stopped 29 of 32 shots in the Wolves’ 3-1 loss to the Stars on Friday night.

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It’s at least a mild surprise that Binnington was recalled rather than 23-year-old Pheonix Copley, who is also playing at Chicago and was acquired by the Blues in the T.J. Oshie trade this offseason. Copley lasted longer than Binnington in training camp this past fall, and he’s gotten an equal share of the playing time with the Wolves, going 8-8 with a 2.57 GAA, a .912 save percentage, and two shutouts. Copley, though, was on a two-game losing streak, while Binnington had won two straight prior to Friday’s loss and had started in three consecutive games.

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Blues goalie prospect Niklas Lundstrom, who had been playing with the Elmira Jackals of the ECHL, was recalled to Chicago to take Binnington’s spot on the AHL roster.