Jordan Binnington Clarifies Intent to Return Alex Ovechkin’s Milestone Puck
In a recent press conference, St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington addressed the controversy surrounding his handling of Alex Ovechkin’s historic 900th goal puck. The incident, which occurred during the Washington Capitals’ 6-1 victory over the Blues, sparked some backlash when Binnington appeared to tuck the milestone puck into the back of his hockey gear after Ovechkin scored. A linesman quickly intervened to retrieve the puck, leading to speculation about Binnington’s intentions. The goaltender has now come forward to clarify that he never intended to keep the historic memento from the legendary Russian player, despite how the situation may have appeared to viewers and commentators watching the game unfold.
“I figured I basically had an assist on the goal there, turning the puck over. [I] didn’t think he’d mind sharing it,” Binnington joked on Thursday, bringing some humor to what had become a minor controversy in hockey circles. He then made his intentions crystal clear: “I had full intention to give it back to him.” This statement directly contradicts the narrative that had begun to form suggesting Binnington might have been attempting to deny Ovechkin the milestone puck out of frustration. The goaltender’s clarification seems aimed at putting to rest any notion that he was acting unsportsmanlike in the heat of the moment, emphasizing that he understood the significance of Ovechkin’s achievement and would never intentionally keep such a meaningful item from a fellow player.
The achievement itself is nothing short of historic—Ovechkin became the first player in NHL history to record 900 goals, adding to his already legendary status in the sport. This milestone comes after Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky in April to become the top scorer in NHL history, cementing his place as one of hockey’s greatest players. Fortunately, despite the momentary confusion, the puck was successfully returned to Ovechkin in time for locker room photos commemorating his remarkable achievement. This resolution allowed the focus to return to celebrating Ovechkin’s unprecedented accomplishment rather than dwelling on the brief controversy over the puck’s handling.
Binnington, who was pulled in the second period after allowing four goals in Wednesday’s loss, showed genuine admiration for Ovechkin’s skill and longevity in the sport. “Incredible play by him to catch that, spin around and get that on net from a bad angle. Obviously, he’s such a legendary player. Seeing a play like that still happening at his age, it’s next level. He continues to impress,” Binnington remarked. These comments reflect the respect that even opponents have for Ovechkin’s extraordinary abilities and career achievements, highlighting how the Russian star’s impact on hockey transcends team rivalries and competitive moments. Even in defeat, Binnington could acknowledge the special nature of witnessing such a historic moment in person.
The situation was further clarified by Ovechkin’s teammate Logan Thompson, who suggested that perhaps Binnington “was trying to grab it to give it to him,” though his sheepish delivery to reporters indicated some uncertainty. Binnington confirmed that Thompson’s interpretation was correct, reiterating his “full intention to give it back.” This corroboration from multiple sources suggests that while the initial optics of the situation may have appeared questionable to some viewers, there was likely no ill intent behind Binnington’s actions. The incident serves as a reminder of how quickly narratives can form in sports, especially in moments of high emotion or historical significance.
Ultimately, Binnington’s final comments best capture his perspective on the moment: “He’s a legendary, inspirational player for the game and for the league. It’s a good moment for him and their team.” This statement encapsulates the proper spirit of sportsmanship—acknowledging greatness even when it comes at your expense. While Ovechkin himself declined to comment extensively on the puck situation after the game, simply noting that he had seen what happened but preferred not to discuss it, the resolution appears satisfactory to all parties involved. The focus remains where it should be: on Ovechkin’s remarkable achievement of 900 goals, a testament to his extraordinary skill, durability, and passion for hockey that has allowed him to reach heights no other player in NHL history has attained.
