We finally know what really happened in that Binnington-Hofer goalie mix-up

One of the strangest moments of the NHL season unfolded Wednesday night during the St. Louis Blues game, and at first glance, it looked like pure madness behind the bench.

Cameras caught Blues head coach Jim Montgomery appearing to signal for goalie Jordan Binnington to come out of the game. Binnington didn’t move. Seconds later, backup goalie Joel Hofer was spotted peeking out from the dressing room, only to disappear again. The clip immediately went viral, with fans convinced they were watching another chapter in the ever-growing legend of “Jordan Binnington things.”

As it turns out, the reality was far less dramatic, but no less chaotic.

Pierre LeBrun provided clarity on Insider Trading on Thursday, explaining that Binnington was never refusing to come out. In fact, he was ready. In fact, it was Hofer who wasn’t.

Hofer was only half-dressed and still in the dressing room when the call came. Complicating matters further, Chicago’s visiting setup isn’t exactly goalie-friendly. By the time Hofer realized he was supposed to enter the game, the puck had already dropped. Trainers scrambled to get his gear together, but the window had closed.

Once Binnington realized his replacement wasn’t coming, he simply stayed put, and play continued.

“The trainer was whizzing around trying to get his gear. So when Binnington realized Hofer wasn’t coming he said well, I guess I’m going back in. And that’s exactly what happened,” explained LeBrun.

So no controversy. Just a perfect storm of poor timing, communication breakdowns, and arena logistics.

That said, Hofer popping his head out of the tunnel before vanishing again has already cemented itself as an all-time NHL meme moment. The clip still has me laughing.

Sometimes the NHL doesn’t need drama, and it creates comedy all on its own.