NHL Goalie Goals: How Many Goalies Have Scored in History?
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NHL Goalie Goals in History
Goalie goals in hockey are rare, thrilling moments that defy expectations. Typically focused on defending the net, goalies rarely get scoring opportunities. However, when the opposing team pulls their goalie for an extra attacker, the chance arises. With the net empty, a goalie might launch the puck down the ice, aiming for the goal.
Scoring requires power, precision, and strategy to bypass defenders and hit the open net. These plays captivate fans by flipping the usual script, turning the defender into an offensive hero. Goalie goals showcase the unpredictable excitement of hockey and are celebrated for their rarity and daring execution.
History of Goalie Goals in the NHL
Goalie goals are one of the rarest and most exciting moments in hockey. From accidental credits to skillful, game-changing shots, these goals highlight the evolving role of goaltenders. Here’s a look at their history and significance:
1979: The First Credited Goalie Goal
- Billy Smith (New York Islanders) became the first NHL goaltender credited with a goal.
- The puck entered the net due to an opponent’s mistake, but Smith was the last player to touch it.
1987: The First True Goalie Goal
- Ron Hextall (Philadelphia Flyers) scored the first goal by actively shooting the puck into an empty net.
- His achievement set a new precedent and electrified fans.
Notable Goalies with Multiple Goals
- Martin Brodeur and José Théodore are among the few goalies to score more than once in NHL history.
Advancements in Goalie Skills
- Modern goalies benefit from improved equipment, puck-handling techniques, and confidence, making them more capable of attempting goals.
Rarity and Excitement
- Despite their rarity, goalie goals remain celebrated as thrilling highlights.
- These moments showcase a mix of skill, bravery, and game awareness, adding to the unpredictable nature of hockey.
Notable Goalies Who Have Scored
| Goalie | Number of Goals | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ron Hextall | 2 | The first goalie to deliberately shoot the puck into the net, achieving this twice in his career. |
| Martin Brodeur | 3 | Holds the record for most goals by a goalie, including one he scored in the playoffs and two credited goals resulting from opponents scoring on their own net. |
| Billy Smith | 1 | First credited with a goal in 1979 due to being the last player to touch the puck. |
| Chris Osgood | 1 | Scored in 1996 with a shot directly into the opponent’s net, adding to his storied career. |
| José Théodore | 1 | Scored a rare goalie goal in 2001 while playing for the Canadiens. |
| Evgeni Nabokov | 1 | Scored in 2002, becoming the first non-North American goalie to record a goal. |
| Pekka Rinne | 1 | Scored an empty-netter in 2020, becoming the first goalie since 2013 to shoot a goal. |
| Linus Ullmark | 1 | Scored in 2023, marking the latest goalie goal and thrilling fans as a modern highlight. |
| Filip Gustavsson | 1 | Scored for the Wild, adding to the trend of goalies capitalizing on empty-net opportunities. |
| Alex Nedeljkovic | 1 | Scored in 2025 by launching the puck from behind his net into an empty net. He also became the first goalie in NHL history with a goal and an assist in the same game, achieving this feat in a 5-2 win for the Penguins. |
The Record-Holding NHL Goalie with Most Goals
The NHL record for most goals scored by a goaltender is held by Martin Brodeur, who tallied three goals over his career. Known for his exceptional puck-handling skills, Brodeur combined his ability to read the game with precise, long-range shots that took advantage of empty nets. His first goal came in 1997 against the Montreal Canadiens, when he was credited with a goal after being the last to touch the puck before an opposing player inadvertently knocked it into their own net. Brodeur scored his second goal in 2000 by directly shooting the puck into an empty net in a playoff game, making him the only goalie to score a goal in the postseason. Martin Brodeur's third NHL goal occurred on March 21, 2013, against the Carolina Hurricanes. During a delayed penalty, the Hurricanes had pulled their goalie for an extra attacker. Carolina's Jordan Staal attempted a pass from behind the Devils' net, but the puck deflected and slid all the way into the empty net. Since Brodeur was the last Devils player to touch the puck, he was officially credited with the goal. Beyond his goal-scoring, Brodeur’s illustrious career includes three Stanley Cups with the New Jersey Devils, four Vezina Trophies, and the NHL all-time records for most wins and shutouts by a goalie. His scoring accomplishments and overall dominance make him one of the most iconic goaltenders in hockey history.
Criteria and Conditions for Goalie Goals
For a goalie to score a goal in the NHL, several specific conditions must align, as scoring is far from a goalie’s primary role. Goalie goals most often happen under unique game conditions that give them an opportunity to shoot directly at an empty net or be credited with a goal if they’re the last to touch the puck before it enters. Here’s a breakdown of these criteria and scenarios:
- Empty-Net Goals: The most common condition for a goalie goal is when the opposing team pulls their goalie for an extra skater, leaving an open net. This usually happens late in the game if a team is trailing and trying to equalize. A goalie can seize this moment to attempt a shot toward the empty net, either directly from their crease or with a quick clear down the ice.
- Power-Play Opportunities: During a power play, an opponent may take extra risks by pulling their goalie to further increase their offensive pressure. This increases the chance of turnovers, where a goalie may attempt to shoot for the empty net if the opportunity arises.
- Credit for Last Touch: A goalie can also be credited with a goal if they are the last player on their team to touch the puck before an opponent inadvertently directs it into their own net. While this doesn’t involve a direct shot from the goalie, it still counts as a goal in the record books.
Impact of Goalie Goals on the Game
Fan Reactions: Goalie goals are thrilling for fans, creating an unexpected, electric moment in a game. Because they’re so rare, fans often erupt with excitement when a goalie scores, with the event quickly circulating across social media and news. It provides fans with a memorable highlight and a unique reason to celebrate their team’s goaltender.
Team Dynamics: When a goalie scores, it’s a major morale boost for the team. Scoring adds another dimension to the goalie’s role, showcasing their skill and contributing to the team in a way that goes beyond defense. This can energize both players and coaches, building confidence and camaraderie, especially if it helps seal a close game.
Historical Significance: Each goalie goal becomes a part of NHL history, marking a unique achievement that few goalies attain. These moments are often referenced for years to come, adding to the legacy of the scoring goalie and reminding fans of the skill and versatility required for such a feat. Goalie goals celebrate the unpredictability and versatility of the sport, cementing their place as one of hockey’s rarest highlights.
NHL Goalie Goals in History FAQs
How many NHL goalies have scored a goal?
As of 2024, 15 NHL goalies have scored a total of 18 goals.
Who was the first NHL goalie to score a goal?
Billy Smith of the New York Islanders was the first goalie credited with a goal in 1979 when an opponent accidentally scored on themselves after Smith was the last player to touch the puck.
How many career goals does the top-scoring NHL goalie have?
Martin Brodeur holds the record with 3 career goals, with one being an empty-net shot and two credited when opponents inadvertently scored on their own net.
What are the rules for a goalie scoring a goal?
A goal is credited to the last player on the scoring team to touch the puck before it enters the net. A goalie can directly score if they shoot the puck into an opponent's empty net.
How rare are goalie goals in the NHL?
Goalie goals are rare, occurring roughly once every three years since 1979. They typically happen during specific scenarios, such as empty-net situations or when a team pulls their goalie.
Can a goalie score during a power play?
Yes, a goalie can score during a power play, but only if the opposing team has pulled their goalie, leaving the net open for a shot.
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