In a remarkable night for NHL history, Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic achieved a feat never before seen in the league’s 106-year existence. The 27-year-old netminder not only backstopped his team to a crucial 5-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres, but he also became the first goalie to ever record both a goal and an assist in the same game.
Nedeljkovic’s milestone night began in the second period, when he registered a secondary assist on Cody Glass’ goal to give the Penguins a 3-1 lead. But it was his empty-net tally from behind his own goal line with just 2:42 remaining in the third period that truly etched his name in the record books.
It’s something you dream about as a kid, scoring a goal in the NHL. To do it as a goalie, and add an assist on top of it, is just unbelievable. I’m just happy I could help the team win.
– Alex Nedeljkovic
A Historic Night for Nedeljkovic and the Penguins
Nedeljkovic’s goal made him just the 16th goaltender in NHL history to light the lamp, and the first since Minnesota’s Filip Gustavsson accomplished the feat on October 15 against the St. Louis Blues. He also joined Tristan Jarry as the only Penguins goalies to ever score, making Pittsburgh just the second franchise to boast multiple goal-scoring netminders.
The Michigan native’s two-point night also puts him in elite company in Penguins history, as he became just the fourth goalie to record multiple points in a game for the franchise, joining Tom Barrasso, Wendell Young, and Michel Dion.
Nedeljkovic’s Heroics Help Penguins in Playoff Push
Beyond the personal accolades, Nedeljkovic’s stellar performance couldn’t have come at a better time for the Penguins. His 40-save effort helped snap the team’s three-game losing streak and pulled them within three points of the Boston Bruins for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Goals from Rickard Rakell, Anthony Beauvillier, and Bryan Rust also played a key role in the victory, but it was Nedeljkovic who stole the show with his historic night between the pipes. His clutch performance was especially noteworthy considering it came just a day after former Penguins starter Tristan Jarry cleared waivers and was sent down to the AHL.
An Unforgettable Moment for the Ages
Alex Nedeljkovic’s incredible achievement is one that will be remembered in NHL lore for generations to come. To not only score a goal as a goaltender, but also add an assist in the same game, is a testament to his skill, athleticism, and hockey IQ.
As the Penguins continue their push towards the playoffs, they’ll undoubtedly lean on Nedeljkovic to build off this unforgettable performance. And for the young netminder, he can take solace in knowing that no matter what happens the rest of his career, he’ll always have a place in the NHL record books thanks to this historic night in Buffalo.
- First goalie in NHL history with a goal and assist in the same game
- 16th goalie ever to score a goal in the NHL
- 2nd Penguins goalie to score a goal (Tristan Jarry)
- 4th Penguins goalie with a multi-point game
