Jordan Binnington, known for his fiery personality, stirred up trouble once again on Tuesday night. During the St. Louis Blues’ 8-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators, Binnington engaged in a scrum behind his net involving Senators captain Brady Tkachuk. After attempting to lock Tkachuk in a headlock, Binnington, seemingly looking for a fight, stared down Senators goalie Linus Ullmark.
Binnington’s Challenge, Ullmark’s Refusal
“He’s staring – oh, he said, ‘Let’s go,’ he’s got his gloves out,” Senators color-commentator Mike Johnson said on TSN. “Binnington put his hands out and said, ‘If you want it, here I am.’ He has done this many times in his career.”
Ullmark, however, wasn’t interested. Instead, he calmly returned to his crease, leaving Binnington’s challenge unanswered. Roughing penalties were handed out to Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Philip Broberg, and Matthew Kessel.
Binnington, despite numerous attempts, has yet to engage in an official NHL fight. His record includes two fights during his AHL career.
This incident follows a similar situation involving Binnington and Marc-Andre Fleury earlier this year. After sucker-punching Wild forward Ryan Hartman, Binnington was challenged by Fleury. Officials intervened before any punches were thrown. Fleury later admitted to being ready for a fight, stating, “One of the guys said that he hit them in the nuts.” Binnington subsequently received a two-game suspension.
Ullmark, unlike Fleury, chose not to engage.
“It’s just all an act,” Ullmark said postgame. “We’re up at 7-1 at that point – it’s not necessary for me to go down there. Also, he just stood up for his guys and held away one of our best fighters as well. I’m pretty sure that Brady can take care of himself.
“I rather not do anything. I feel it’s unnecessary for me to do that. If the time comes and I have to go in order to stick up for my teammates, I’ll do it, but there wasn’t any need for it today.”
Ullmark, who recently joined the Senators after being traded from the Boston Bruins, recorded 26 saves in his second win with the team. Despite Binnington’s antics, Ullmark remained focused on his game, stating, “He just shrugged his shoulders, whatever, wondering where I was. I was taking care of business in my end and trying to focus on what’s been working for me this game. I’ll let them deal with whatever happened in that zone.”
Binnington, coming in relief of Joel Hofer, struggled in his performance, allowing three goals on 14 shots. His performance continues a trend of inconsistency to start the 2024-25 season.
Will Binnington finally drop the gloves? Will Ullmark stay calm amidst the chaos? Stay tuned for more drama in the NHL!