Alex Ovechkin cemented his legacy as the NHL’s greatest goal scorer by netting his 900th career goal, but the moment was nearly stolen by St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington, who attempted to hide the historic puck.
On November 5, 2025, during a game against the St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin scored his 900th career goal, becoming the first player in NHL history to reach that milestone. The goal came in the second period, adding to the Capitals’ lead in what would become a 6-1 victory. Ovechkin’s achievement was met with jubilation from teammates and fans, marking a historic moment in hockey.
The sequence began when Ovechkin intercepted a pass from Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington to Nathan Walker. The puck eventually found defenseman Jakob Chychrun, whose shot from the point caromed off the end boards. Ovechkin collected the rebound and swiftly slid a backhand shot into the net, sending the Capital One Arena crowd into a frenzy. This goal not only extended the Capitals’ advantage but also highlighted Ovechkin’s relentless scoring prowess.
As Capitals players swarmed Ovechkin in celebration, Binnington, who had conceded the goal, discreetly picked up the puck with his glove. In full view of television cameras, he tucked the disc into the back of his pants, apparently attempting to keep it as a souvenir. This sly move added an unexpected twist to the historic occasion, drawing immediate attention from onlookers and broadcasters.
The move did not go unnoticed. Linesman Michel Cormier spotted Binnington’s action and approached him in the crease. After a brief discussion, Binnington reached into his pants and handed the puck over to the official, ensuring that Ovechkin would receive the milestone memento. The intervention prevented any potential controversy and allowed the puck to be rightfully returned to Ovechkin for posterity.
Ovechkin, aware of the incident, later told reporters with a laugh, “Yeah, I just saw it. I’m not going to comment.” His teammate, goaltender Logan Thompson, offered a charitable interpretation, suggesting Binnington might have been trying to secure the puck for Ovechkin. This reaction underscored the lighthearted nature of the event amid the seriousness of the milestone.
The following day, Binnington clarified his intentions, stating he had “full intention” to return the puck to Ovechkin. He humorously noted that he “basically had an assist” on the goal due to his turnover, implying he deserved some credit. Binnington, who was pulled from the game after allowing four goals on 15 shots, did not speak to media immediately after the match, but his later comments provided insight into his competitive yet playful mindset.
Ovechkin’s 900th goal is a monumental achievement in hockey, solidifying his status as the league’s all-time leading scorer. He expressed relief and pride in reaching the milestone, acknowledging the pressure and significance of being the first to accomplish such a feat. The incident added a lighthearted twist to a historic moment, highlighting Binnington’s notorious competitiveness. While the puck was safely returned, the story captivated fans and underscored the drama and personality inherent in professional sports.