It likely will end up as one of the most valuable game-used pucks in hockey history, so we can't blame Jordan Binnington for trying.
After Binnington was beaten for Alexander Ovechkin's 900th career NHL goal Wednesday night, the St. Louis Blues goaltender tried to quietly pocket the milestone puck — although his efforts were in full view of the officials and TV cameras.
Ovechkin, who broke Wayne Gretzky's career goal-scoring record with his 895th tally April 6, became the first to reach the 900 mark when he scored off a backhand in the second period of the Washington Capitals' 6-1 rout of the Blues.
Binnington slowly retrieved the puck from the net, skated out of the crease, adjusted his pads and slid the puck down the back of his pants.
After the linesman skated in for a discussion with Binnington, the Blues netminder pulled the puck from his pants and gave it to the official.
The milestone puck eventually made its way to Ovechkin, who posted with it for postgame photographs in the locker room.
Ovechkin told ESPN he was aware of Binnington's attempted sleight of hand. "Yeah, I just saw it. I'm not going to comment," he said.
Binnington, who was pulled from the game after allowing four goals on 15 shots, did not comment after the loss.
What could Ovechkin's puck be worth if it ever reached the auction block? Comps are difficult, but the puck from Wayne Gretzky's 1,850th career point, which moved him past Gordie Howe for the all-time points lead, sold for $57,419 back in April 2011.
Given that sale was more than 14 years ago, and Ovechkin's goal-scoring is unprecedented in hockey annals, the price would likely be much higher.
Working in a partnership with cllct, Monumental Sports, the parent company that owns the Capitals, launched a line of limited-edition collectibles celebrating Ovechkin's 895th goal in June.