NEW YORK. Pittsburgh’s goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic made history during an NHL showdown in Buffalo, delivering a remarkable performance that included scoring into an empty net for the home team.
Earlier in the game, he also recorded an assist on the Penguins’ third goal, cementing his place as the first NHL goaltender to achieve both a goal and an assist in a single game.
The Penguins secured a 5:2 victory, marking their first win after a three-game losing streak.
Nedeljkovic seized the prospect in the 58th minute when the Sabres pushed the puck into the offensive zone. Positioned behind his own net, he swiftly launched the puck across the ice, sending it directly into Buffalo’s unguarded goal.
VIDEO: Goalkeeper’s goal Alex Nedeljkovic
With this feat, Nedeljkovic joined an elite group of four players who achieved a 1+1 record in the match, while also becoming the first goaltender in NHL history to accomplish this in a single game. Notably, he is the first goaltender to score in the NHL, AHL, and ECHL.
During the 2024/2025 season, Nedeljkovic is the second goaltender to score in the NHL. The first was Minnesota’s Filip Gustavsson, who achieved this milestone in mid-October during a game against St. Louis (4:1). To date,only 16 goaltenders have scored a goal in NHL history.
Despite outshooting the Penguins 42-19, the Sabres failed to capitalize on their recent victory against Carolina, suffering their second loss in three home games. they remain at the bottom of the eastern Conference, trailing the NY Islanders by two points and falling ten points short of the second wild-card spot.
Pittsburgh, on the other hand, ended their five-game road losing streak and now sits just three points behind the wild-card position.
Among other notable performances, Carolina’s Pyotr Kočetkov also made headlines this season with two Canadian points in a single game (0+2 against the rangers in December). In a recent matchup against Vegas, he played a pivotal role in his team’s 3:2 victory, making 29 crucial saves.
Carolina snapped a two-game losing streak, while Vegas has now lost four of their last five games. Forward Seth Jarvis contributed substantially to Carolina’s win with two goals.
No Slovak players were active during Saturday night’s NHL games.
NHL regular season - January 18:
buffalo – pittsburgh 2:5
As a highly professional sports moderator with extensive experiance in moderating and debating, I would approach the task with a structured and engaging methodology. Drawing from best practices in moderation and debate [1], combined with the insights of sports broadcasting [2], here’s how I would craft a professional moderation strategy based on the provided sports information:
Moderation Strategy for Sports Debate
- Planning and Contextual Understanding
Before moderating, I would thoroughly analyze the sports information provided, ensuring a deep understanding of the topic, key players, and any recent developments. This aligns with the best practices of being well-informed and prepared to guide the discussion effectively [1]. As an example, if the article mentions a specific game or player, I would research their performance statistics, historical context, and expert opinions to provide a well-rounded discussion.
- Establishing Clear Objectives
I would outline the goals of the debate, such as analyzing the impact of a recent game, discussing a player’s performance, or exploring the implications of a rule change. Clear objectives ensure the discussion remains focused and productive.
- Engaging the Audience
Using techniques from sports broadcasting [2], I would incorporate storytelling and excitement into the moderation process. Such as, I might highlight key moments from the game or use vivid descriptions to draw the audience into the discussion.
- Balancing Perspectives
A professional moderator ensures all viewpoints are heard. If the article mentions controversial topics, such as a disputed referee decision, I would invite balanced arguments from both sides, encouraging respectful and insightful dialog.
- Maintaining Professionalism and Neutrality
Drawing from the standards of the International Moderators’ Association [3], I would maintain a neutral stance, avoiding personal bias and ensuring the debate remains fair and objective. This includes managing time effectively, preventing interruptions, and summarizing key points periodically.
- Encouraging Interaction and Depth
I would pose thought-provoking questions to participants, such as, “How does this player’s performance compare to their past seasons?” or “What strategies could the team employ in their next game?” This encourages deeper analysis and keeps the audience engaged.
- Closing with Key Takeaways
At the end of the debate, I would summarize the main points discussed, highlight any consensus reached, and provide a concise wrap-up. This ensures the audience leaves with a clear understanding of the topic.
Example Moderation Script
Opening:
“Welcome, everyone, to today’s debate on [topic from the article]. We have a fascinating discussion ahead as we delve into [specific issue]. Let’s start by exploring [key point]—what are yoru thoughts on this?”
During the Debate:
“That’s an excellent point. Let’s hear a different viewpoint. [Participant], how do you see this situation?”
Closing:
“Thank you all for your insightful contributions. To recap, we’ve discussed [summarize key points]. It’s clear that [conclusion or takeaway]. Stay tuned for more debates on [topic or sport].”
By combining professional moderation techniques with the dynamic nature of sports broadcasting, I would ensure a well-structured, engaging, and informative debate that resonates with both participants and the audience.
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