St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington sparked a wave of controversy on Wednesday night after attempting to pocket Alex Ovechkin’s 900th career goal in the NHL. The incident, which unfolded during a game between the Blues and the Washington Capitals, has drawn mixed reactions from fans and media alike. Ovechkin, the Russian star and first NHL player to reach 900 career goals, scored the milestone in the second period, setting the stage for a moment that would become a focal point of discussion beyond the ice.
Binnington, known for his composure in net, found himself in a precarious situation when he attempted to retrieve the puck after Ovechkin’s goal. The goalie, caught mid-action, placed the puck behind his gear, an act that immediately caught the attention of the linesman. The official quickly intervened, retrieving the puck and ensuring that Binnington did not get away with the moment. Ovechkin, who later retrieved the puck, posed with it in the locker room, allowing fans to witness the milestone in its true form. While some players, including teammate Logan Thompson, attempted to downplay Binnington’s actions, others took to social media to express their disappointment.
The incident has become a subject of debate, with many questioning the ethics of a goaltender attempting to retain a puck from a milestone goal. In a post-game interview, Ovechkin remained noncommittal when asked about the situation, stating only, “Yeah, I just saw it. You know, I’m not going to comment on it.” This response, however, did little to quell the controversy. Thompson, on the other hand, attempted to offer a more nuanced explanation, suggesting that Binnington may have been trying to hand the puck over to Ovechkin as a gesture of respect. Despite these efforts, the broader public, particularly on social media, was quick to criticize the goalie’s actions.
For Binnington, the incident represents another challenge in an already difficult season. The St. Louis Blues, currently struggling in the NHL standings, have faced setbacks on multiple occasions this season, including this incident. Binnington, who has allowed at least four goals in four different games this season, has been a focal point of criticism for the team’s performance. The team, with a record of 4-8-2, sits in last place in the Central Division of the Western Conference and has a negative goal differential of -21. This is a significant burden for a goalie who is expected to carry the team’s defensive efforts.
The broader implications of the incident extend beyond the immediate fallout. While the puck from Ovechkin’s milestone goal could potentially be sold in the future, its value is uncertain given the high number of goals scored by active NHL players. Sidney Crosby, the Penguins’ star, currently has 634 goals, placing him far from the 900-mark. As Ovechkin’s achievement is unique in NHL history, the puck may be a sought-after item for collectors or fans of the Capitals.
Binnington’s latest controversy may also have long-term consequences for his career. The incident adds to a growing list of challenges for the goalie, who has struggled to maintain a consistent performance this season. As the team continues to face obstacles, the pressure on Binnington to rebound from this setback will only increase. Regardless of the outcome, the episode has become a defining moment in his career, one that will likely be remembered for its unusual circumstances and the spotlight it cast on the role of goaltenders in NHL history.