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The Unlikely Scorers: NHL Goalies Who’ve Found the Back of the Net

When it comes to the National Hockey League, goalies are often seen as the last line of defense. Their primary job is to prevent the opposing team from scoring, not to score themselves. However, there have been instances where these netminders have surprised everyone by firing the puck into the opponent’s empty net, adding their names to the exclusive list of goalie goal-scorers.

A Prestigious Club

Minnesota Wild’s Filip Gustavsson became the latest member of this elite group in October 2024, when he scored during the final seconds of his team’s win against the St. Louis Blues. This remarkable feat has been achieved by over a dozen goalies throughout NHL history.

The Goalie Goal-Scorers

Here’s a rundown of the brave souls who’ve taken matters into their own hands and scored:

• Filip Gustavsson (27 saves), Minnesota Wild at St. Louis Blues, Oct. 15, 2024
• Tristan Jarry (39 saves), Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning, Nov. 30, 2023
• Linus Ullmark (26 saves), Boston Bruins at Vancouver Canucks, Feb. 25, 2023

The Trailblazers

These goalies paved the way for others to follow:

• Pekka Rinne (29 saves), Nashville Predators at Chicago Blackhawks, Jan. 9, 2020
• Mike Smith (31 saves), Phoenix Coyotes vs. Detroit Red Wings, Oct. 19, 2013
• Martin Brodeur (17 saves), New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes, March 21, 2013

The Pioneers

They were among the first to achieve this remarkable feat:

• Cam Ward (23 saves), Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils, Dec. 26, 2011
• Chris Mason (23 saves), Nashville Predators vs. Phoenix Coyotes, April 15, 2006
• Mika Noronen (17 saves), Buffalo Sabres at Toronto Maple Leafs, Feb. 14, 2004

The Veterans

These seasoned goalies also made their mark:

• Evgeni Nabokov (26 saves), San Jose Sharks at Vancouver Canucks, March 10, 2002
• Jose Theodore (32 saves), Montreal Canadiens at New York Islanders, Jan. 2, 2001
• Martin Brodeur (19 saves), New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers, Feb. 15, 2000

The Legends

They were among the first to score as goalies:

• Damian Rhodes (30 saves), Ottawa Senators vs. New Jersey Devils, Jan. 2, 1999
• Martin Brodeur (28 saves), New Jersey Devils vs. Montreal Canadiens, April 17, 1997
• Chris Osgood (26 saves), Detroit Red Wings at Hartford Whalers, March 6, 1996
• Ron Hextall (29 saves), Philadelphia Flyers at Washington Capitals, April 11, 1989
• Ron Hextall (21 saves), Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston Bruins, Dec. 8, 1987
• Billy Smith (5 saves), New York Islanders at Colorado Rockies, Nov. 28, 1979

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