Alex Ovechkin’s 900th goal nearly spoiled by | Sports News

Alex Ovechkin made NHL historical past Wednesday evening, changing into the primary participant ever to attain 900 profession targets because the Washington Capitals defeated the St. Louis Blues 6-1, after additionally breaking one other document final yr in opposition to the Detroit Red Wings.

But what ought to have been a simple celebration of one of hockey’s most exceptional milestones turned briefly weird, because of Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington.

Ovechkin, who will discover himself within the Hockey Hall of Fame which is alleged to be haunted by its earlier tenant, and his milestone tally got here early within the second period when he intercepted a clearing attempt from Binnington, regained control of the puck, and fired a backhand shot previous the Blues netminder. 

The Capital One Arena crowd erupted as Ovechkin’s teammates swarmed him in celebration, marking yet one more chapter in a profession already overflowing with record-breaking moments. 

The 40-year-old winger continues to redefine longevity and consistency, reaching feats as soon as thought not possible within the trendy NHL.

But amid the chaos and celebration, Binnington appeared to stage an odd stunt. As the Capitals cheered, TNT cameras caught the Blues goaltender fishing the puck out of his own web and slipping it into his pants as he skated away from the crease.

For a few surreal moments, the puck that represented Ovechkin’s 900th goal, a piece of hockey historical past destined for the Hall of Fame, was in Binnington’s possession. 

Linesman Michel Cormier shortly intervened after noticing what occurred, skating over to Binnington and requesting the puck back. After a transient exchange, Binnington handed it over, and Cormier ensured it discovered its technique to the Capitals bench.

When requested in regards to the incident after the sport, Binnington performed coy. “I basically had an assist on the goal there, turning the puck over,” he joked. “I didn’t think he’d mind sharing it. I had full intention to give it back to him.” 

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Binnington’s evening didn’t improve after that. He allowed 4 targets on 15 photographs and was pulled halfway by means of the sport in favor of backup Joel Hofer. 

Meanwhile, Ovechkin’s goal not solely gave Washington a commanding lead but in addition stood because the 138th game-winning goal of his profession, yet one more league document. 

Capitals goalie Logan Thompson mentioned afterward that he hadn’t seen Binnington’s antics reside however most popular to provide him the benefit of the doubt. “Maybe he was trying to grab it to give it to him,” Thompson mentioned. “Who knows?”