James Atama
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Alex Nedeljkovic recalls being inspired by the puck-handling skills of Marty Turco and Martin Brodeur during his childhood.
On Friday night, he achieved something no other goaltender, including those two legends, has ever accomplished.
Nedeljkovic became the first goalie in NHL history to score a goal and register an assist in a game, contributing to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 5-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres.
“I’ve always enjoyed playing the puck,” he said. “Growing up, I watched some of the best guys do it, like Marty Turco, Marty Brodeur were two guys that I watched a lot and really learned a lot from in terms of puck handling. It’s been part of my game as long as I can remember.
“Started from just conversations with my dad in the car telling me, like, ‘Don’t just throw the puck around the boards every time you get it. Try to make a smart play with it, put it on guys’ tape. Don’t just do it; if you’re going to do it, at least try to do something with it.’ It’s really exciting right now.”
Nedeljkovic, who also made 40 saves, tallied a secondary assist on Glass’ goal late in the second period, extending the Penguins’ lead to 3-1. His goal came with just under three minutes remaining when the Sabres pulled their goalie, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, for an extra skater. Nedeljkovic collected the puck behind his net and launched a shot from behind the goal line that found its way into the open net from approximately 180 feet away.
“I’m out there and I see a relatively soft rim,” Penguins forward Bryan Rust said. “I’m like, ‘He’s getting it. We’re up by two. I know he’s probably shooting it.’ So, I kind of just stood there and watched the rest of however many seconds it was. You see him take off for the bench and everyone just mauled him. It was cool.”
Additionally, Nedeljkovic made history as the first goalie to score in the ECHL, AHL, and NHL.
His goal marked the 19th by a goalie in NHL history, and he became the 16th goalie to achieve this milestone. He is the second goalie for the Penguins to score, following Tristan Jarry — who was sent to the AHL on Thursday — after he scored on November 30, 2023.
“It was great,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “The guys were joking with him. They said all he was missing was a fight for the Gordie Howe hat trick.”
