Zucker Gets Under Binnington’s Skin, Goalie Snaps

Every now and then, you see something you’ll remember for a while. St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington provided such a moment early in the second period of the St. Louis game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena on Saturday.

The Penguins’ second line with Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust, and Jason Zucker clearly had the hop on the Blues throughout the first period. Rust scored a goal, and the line had a couple of near misses.

With the Penguins dominating and leading 3-1, late in the first period, Binnington threw a glove into Zucker’s face as the Penguins winger forechecked a Blues defenseman. However, since officials initially thought it was a high-sticking penalty, a review confirmed the cheap shot but removed the penalty because it wasn’t high-sticking.

Less than two minutes into the second period, Jason Zucker got some revenge. The Penguins second line again created a glorious offensive chance, and Zucker buried it.

That’s when the fun began.

St. Louis coach Craig Berube pulled Binnington immediately, but Binnington made a beeline for the Penguins’ bench. Officials intercepted him to avoid further confrontation.

Backup Thomas Greiss entered the game amidst the chaos but stumbled and faceplanted into the Blues’ net, knocking it off the moorings. He stumbled to his feet as officials dealt with the Binnginton aftermath.

Officials gave Binnington a 10-minute misconduct for incitement. He did not return to the bench, despite the penalty not being a game misconduct.

Update: “It’s got to stop. It doesn’t help anything,” St. Louis coach Craig Berube said postgame. “Just play goal, stop the puck.”

Zucker amusingly could be seen on the bench with an amused but confused look as officials escorted Jordan Binnington away from the Penguins bench.

After letting in 4 goals, Jordan Binnington was pulled and had some words for the Penguins bench. pic.twitter.com/G8m5R0Pv2c

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 4, 2022