Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender, Alex Nedeljkovic, made history during the team’s thrilling match against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night, becoming the first goalie in Penguins history to record both a goal and an assist in the same game. The unprecedented feat added another unforgettable moment to the storied legacy of the franchise and further solidified Nedeljkovic’s place in the annals of hockey history.
It all began in the second period when the Penguins were holding a narrow 2-1 lead. With the Canadiens pressuring, Nedeljkovic found himself with the puck in his own crease after a scramble. In a bold move, he skated past his own blue line and fired a long, crisp pass down the ice toward forward Rickard Rakell, who was streaking toward the Canadiens’ net. Rakell gained possession and fed it to Sidney Crosby, who then buried the puck past Montreal’s netminder, giving Pittsburgh a crucial 3-1 advantage.
Nedeljkovic’s assist on the play was a significant achievement in itself, showcasing his remarkable puck-handling skills and awareness of the game, but what happened next was truly historic. Late in the third period, with the Penguins holding a comfortable 5-2 lead, Montreal’s attempt at a comeback was foiled when Nedeljkovic had the puck again behind his net. With an open lane and an empty net on the other end, he fired a shot from his crease that sailed the length of the rink and found the back of Montreal’s empty net, securing the first-ever goalie goal in Penguins history.
The crowd at PPG Paints Arena erupted in celebration as Nedeljkovic’s historic goal sailed through the air and into the net. The moment was nothing short of magical, as fans witnessed an incredible accomplishment rarely seen in the NHL. In a league where goals from goalies are a rare spectacle, Nedeljkovic’s contribution to the scoreline was not only groundbreaking but also helped seal the Penguins’ dominant victory on home ice.
,It’s a special moment, and I’m really proud of it,, said Nedeljkovic after the game. ,It’s not something I expected, but I’m just happy I could help the team in any way I could. It’s a cool part of history, but the most important thing is we got the win.,
Nedeljkovic’s unique achievement also highlighted the growing trend of goaltenders becoming more involved in the offensive side of the game. With the increasing emphasis on puck movement and modern goaltenders being more active outside their crease, Nedeljkovic’s goal and assist demonstrated that goalies can play a pivotal role in both ends of the ice.
Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan echoed his goalie’s sentiments, calling the accomplishment ,incredible, and praising Nedeljkovic for his composure and vision on the ice. ,He’s a very skilled player, and his ability to make plays with the puck is something we value greatly. To see him execute like that in such a key moment was special for the team and the fans.,
Nedeljkovic’s history-making night also garnered attention from around the league, with former and current players praising his achievement on social media and in interviews. His name now joins an elite group of goaltenders who have scored goals in the NHL, a select club that includes legends like Martin Brodeur, Ron Hextall, and Chris Osgood.
As the Penguins look to carry their momentum from this historic victory into the rest of the season, Alex Nedeljkovic will forever be remembered as the first goaltender in franchise history to score both a goal and an assist in the same game. His performance was a testament to his skill, determination, and the unpredictability of the game of hockey.
