The Pittsburgh Penguins’ 5-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Friday night was more than just a return to the win column; it was a night etched in history, courtesy of goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic. With the game winding down and the Sabres opting for an extra attacker, Nedeljkovic seized an opportunity, launching a puck from behind his own net and into the vacated Buffalo goal. This remarkable feat marked Nedeljkovic’s first NHL goal, adding to his already unique achievement of scoring in all three professional hockey leagues: the NHL, the American Hockey League (AHL), and the ECHL, a feat never before accomplished by a goaltender.
Nedeljkovic recounted the moment, explaining the initial uncertainty about the puck’s trajectory. He wasn’t sure if it would stay on the ice, hit the boards, or go wide. A slight bump from an opposing player disoriented him momentarily, and he only saw the puck heading towards the empty net when it reached the far blue line. The realization that it was on target, but with seemingly little momentum, made him doubt its success. However, his teammates’ eruption of celebration confirmed the improbable – he had scored. This remarkable goal cemented Nedeljkovic’s place in hockey history, marking a rare and exciting event in the sport.
The journey to this historic goal began in December 2016 when Nedeljkovic scored his first professional goal while tending the net for the Florida Everblades of the ECHL. He then replicated the feat in March 2018 with the Charlotte Checkers in the AHL. Most recently, prior to his NHL goal, he found the back of the net during a conditioning stint with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ AHL affiliate. This progression through the different levels of professional hockey, culminating in his NHL goal, underscores Nedeljkovic’s unique talent and puck-handling skills.
Nedeljkovic’s historic night didn’t end with just the goal. Earlier in the game, he assisted on a Cody Glass goal in the second period. This accomplishment further distinguished him as the first NHL goaltender to score a goal and record an assist in the same game. His performance transcended the typical role of a goaltender, showcasing his offensive capabilities and overall contribution to the team’s victory. The combination of a goal and an assist in a single game is a testament to Nedeljkovic’s well-rounded skills and his impact beyond simply guarding the net.
Nedeljkovic’s achievement also resonates with the legacy of NHL goaltending greats, particularly Martin Brodeur, who holds the record for most goals scored by a goaltender with three over his illustrious 22-year career. Nedeljkovic acknowledged the influence of legendary goalies like Brodeur and Marty Turco, citing them as inspirations and sources of learning in terms of puck handling. He emphasized that puck handling has always been an integral part of his game, instilled early on by his father, who encouraged him to make smart plays with the puck rather than simply clearing it.
This philosophy of purposeful puck handling, instilled by his father, emphasizes the importance of treating each puck touch as a potential playmaking opportunity. This mindset has undoubtedly contributed to Nedeljkovic’s ability to not only prevent goals but also contribute offensively. His historical achievement underscores the evolving role of the modern goaltender, highlighting the importance of puck-handling skills in today’s NHL. Nedeljkovic’s performance serves as a testament to the value of a well-rounded skill set for goaltenders, proving that they can be both the last line of defense and an offensive threat.
