Jordan Binnington thought he could get his hands on the great Marc-André Fleury on Wednesday night but officials narrowly denied fans a surprise goalkeeping challenge. But the St. Louis Blues’ masked man was also after Ryan Hartman, earning him a two-game suspension.
• Also read: Watch out for Jonathan Quick
In an explosive game against the Minnesota Wild, Binnington went berserk in the second half after a Hartman goal. The opponent accidentally brushed it after scoring on the power play, but the goalie didn’t find it funny. He immediately jumped onto his “Aggressor” to give him a heavy blocker hit.
Looking for a dance partner, it was Fleury who answered the call by coming to Binnington. However, the referees kept a good distance between the two men after seeing them remove their helmets and gloves.
“I thought he was my husband. I had to take care of it,” the Quebecer revealed in a press crowd, according to the Sportsnet network.
Under the watchful eye of Ric Flair in St. Louis, the hockey game almost became a wrestling match. Like the former ring star, Binnington is beginning to earn a reputation as the “dirtiest player in the game.” Despite everything, he respects Fleury enormously, if only for accepting his invitation.
“I thought it was our moment. I have nothing but respect for Fleury. He’s a legendary goalkeeper and to have come this far says a lot about him.”
When Binnington was knocked out of the game, the Wild took the opportunity to win the game 8-5.