The Unlikely Feat: Goalie Scores in the NHL
Scoring a goal in the National Hockey League is no easy task. It requires a combination of skill, opportunity, and a bit of luck. For a goalie, the odds are even more stacked against them. Yet, Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Alex Nedeljkovic defied those odds last night, joining an elite group of goalies who have achieved this remarkable feat.
A Rarity in the NHL
To put things into perspective, only about 15 goalies have ever scored a goal in the NHL, with just 10 of those coming directly from a full-ice shot. It’s a testament to the difficulty of scoring as a goalie, where the primary focus is on preventing goals, not scoring them.
Nedeljkovic’s Impressive Resume
Nedeljkovic is no stranger to scoring goals. He’s already achieved this feat in the ECHL and AHL, making him a rare breed of goalie who can claim to have scored at multiple levels. His latest goal, however, was a first for him – and for the history of hockey.
A Historic 2-Point Night
Not only did Nedeljkovic score a goal, but he also added an assist to his tally, making it a 2-point night. To top it off, he made 40 saves on the night, showcasing his impressive skills between the pipes. This rare combination of offense and defense has never been achieved by a goalie before.
A Punk Rock Performance
Nedeljkovic’s performance was nothing short of punk rock – a kid from Cleveland putting up numbers in the National Hockey League. It’s a testament to his skill and determination, and perhaps a sign that the Penguins have finally found their answer in goal.
A Cautionary Tale
However, history has shown us that success can be fleeting. Just 14 months ago, Tristan Jarry scored a goalie goal for Pittsburgh, only to be placed on waivers later. Will Nedeljkovic suffer the same fate? Only time will tell.
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