In a bizarre moment that's set the hockey world abuzz, St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington found himself at the centre of controversy during a pre-season match against the Washington Capitals.
The Historic Moment
Washington Capitals legend Alex Ovechkin achieved a remarkable milestone, notching his 900th career point with a first-period assist. The Russian superstar set up teammate Hendrix Lapierre for what appeared to be a routine pre-season goal, but the aftermath proved anything but ordinary.
Binnington's Controversial Move
As tradition would dictate, the puck from such a significant milestone should rightfully belong to the player achieving it. However, Blues netminder Jordan Binnington had other ideas. The St. Louis goalkeeper promptly pocketed the historic souvenir, sparking immediate confusion and debate among players and fans alike.
The incident unfolded with palpable tension as officials and players realised the milestone puck had disappeared into Binnington's possession. While pre-season games often see veterans chasing personal milestones, the customary respect for such achievements seemed momentarily forgotten.
What This Means for Ovechkin's Legacy
Ovechkin's assist places him in truly elite company, becoming only the fourth player in NHL history to reach both 800 goals and 900 points with a single franchise. The milestone puts him alongside hockey legends Gordie Howe, Steve Yzerman, and Alex Delvecchio in this exclusive club.
Despite the puck controversy, Ovechkin's achievement underscores his enduring greatness and relentless pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record. The Capitals captain now stands just 95 goals away from surpassing hockey's most hallowed record.
Broader Implications
This incident raises questions about sportsmanship and tradition in professional hockey. While Binnington's move may have been within his rights as the opposing goaltender, it certainly goes against the unwritten rules that typically govern such milestone moments.
The hockey community now watches with interest to see if the puck will find its way back to Ovechkin, or if this becomes another chapter in Binnington's reputation for theatrical and sometimes controversial behaviour on ice.
