The Elite Group of NHL Goalkeepers Who’ve Hit the Net
While the fundamental role of an NHL goaltender is to guard their team’s net, occasionally they step out of their conventional role and contribute by scoring goals. This narrative took an interesting turn in October 2024 when Minnesota Wild’s Filip Gustavsson joined this exclusive league. In the concluding moments of the Wild’s victorious game against the St. Louis Blues, Gustavsson masterfully launched the puck across the field into an unattended goal. Gustavsson is one among several goaltenders who’ve augmented their team’s score by scoring themselves. Let’s delve into the history of NHL to find the goaltenders who’ve scored goals.
Filip Gustavsson’s Momentous Goal and Others in NHL History
Filip Gustavsson: Minnesota Wild vs. St. Louis Blues, Oct. 15, 2024
With 27 saves to his name, Gustavsson’s goal was a memorable one in the match against the Blues.
Tristan Jarry: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning, Nov. 30, 2023
Jarry made an impressive 39 saves during his scoring match against the Lightning.
Linus Ullmark: Boston Bruins vs. Vancouver Canucks, Feb. 25, 2023
Ullmark had 26 saves in the game where he scored against the Canucks.
Pekka Rinne: Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks, Jan. 9, 2020
Rinne made a commendable 29 saves in the game where he scored against the Blackhawks.
Mike Smith: Phoenix Coyotes vs. Detroit Red Wings, Oct. 19, 2013
Smith, with 31 saves, scored during his game against the Red Wings.
Martin Brodeur: New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes, March 21, 2013
Brodeur made 17 saves in his scoring game against the Hurricanes.
Cam Ward: Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils, Dec. 26, 2011
Ward made 23 saves in the match where he scored against the Devils.
More Goal Scoring Goaltenders from NHL History
Martin Brodeur: New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers, Feb. 15, 2000
Brodeur had 19 saves in his scoring game against the Flyers.
Damian Rhodes: Ottawa Senators vs. New Jersey Devils, Jan. 2, 1999
Rhodes made 30 saves during his scoring game against the Devils.
Chris Osgood: Detroit Red Wings vs. Hartford Whalers, March 6, 1996
Osgood, with 26 saves, scored during his match against the Whalers.
Ron Hextall: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Washington Capitals, April 11, 1989
Hextall had 29 saves in the game where he scored against the Capitals.
Billy Smith: New York Islanders vs. Colorado Rockies, Nov. 28, 1979
Smith, with just 5 saves, scored during his game against the Rockies.
These exceptional goaltenders have not only defended their nets but have also made their mark by scoring goals, adding an exciting twist to the game.