Team Canada was criticized for their goalie choices, but St. Louis Blues netminder Jordan Binnington came up big at the right time.

With Binnington's performance for Team Canada earning plenty of plaudits, the Blues must decide if winning now or later is more important.

Off, the prevailing sentiment on Team Canada was it was an excellent team everywhere it counted – except for their goaltending.

“That’s what sports are about in some ways,” Binnington said, a gold medal around his neck after 31 stops handed Canada victory over the United States in the 4 Nations final. “And as an athlete and a competitor, there’s always gonna be that doubt. You gotta use that as motivation and find a way and believe in yourself to get the job done.”

Canada beat the United States 3-2 in the 4 Nations Face-Off behind star performances from McDavid and goalie Binnington.

The gold medal dangling around his neck was proof of that as he sat at his postgame press conference Thursday. He’d just backstopped Canada to a 3-2 overtime victory against the United States in the title game of the 4 Nations Face-Off, and he was absorbing all the kudos coming his way.

MONTREAL -- Jordan Binnington will be Canada's starting goaltender at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Canada's coach Jon Cooper officially declared Binnington his No. 1 netminder following Tuesday's practice. The Canadians will face Sweden in the tournament's opening game Wednesday night.

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington stood tall to help Team Canada clinch the 4 Nations Face-Off championship over Team USA, overcoming widespread criticism from doubters throughout the NHL's new midseason tournament.

Binnington saved the game multiple times in overtime for Canada, and at the same time quieted the concern over the country's goaltending.