Jordan Binnington says he always planned to give back the puck from Alexander Ovechkin’s historic 900th career goal, despite tucking it into his pants during Washington’s celebration.
The St. Louis Blues goaltender made the comment during Thursday’s morning skate before facing the Buffalo Sabres.
“Yeah, I figured I basically had an assist on the goal there, turning it over. Didn’t think he’d mind sharing it,” Binnington said. “But I had full intention to give it back to him.”
Binnington grabbed the milestone puck after Ovechkin’s goal in the Capitals’ 6-1 victory Wednesday night. He picked it up from the crease with his bare hand and slipped it into the back of his pants as Washington’s bench cleared in celebration.
The goaltender skated toward the boards with the puck hidden before a linesman approached him at his crease.
After a brief conversation, Binnington pulled out the puck and handed it to the official. Ovechkin later posed for photos with the historic puck following the game.
Logan Thompson, Washington’s goaltender, suggested Binnington might have been trying to secure the puck for Ovechkin all along.
“I don’t know, maybe he was trying to grab it to give it to him,” Thompson said Wednesday night.
Ovechkin Makes History
Ovechkin became the first NHL player to reach 900 career goals with his milestone strike against St. Louis. The 39-year-old captain now sits just 94 goals behind Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record of 894 goals.
Binnington praised the quality of Ovechkin’s historic goal.
“Incredible play by him to catch that … spin around and get that on net from a bad angle,” Binnington said. “Obviously, he’s such a legendary player and just seeing a play like that still happening at his age … he’s next level and he just continues to impress.”
The goal came at a difficult angle, showcasing the skill that’s made Ovechkin one of the game’s greatest scorers throughout his 20-year career.
Ovechkin’s milestone achievement puts him in exclusive company as he continues his chase of hockey’s most prestigious individual record.
