Igor Shesterkin caused a sensation. © APA / BRUCE BENNETT

The goalie scores: This NHL goal is historic

On Friday night (CET), a New York Rangers goalie scored a historic goal in the NHL.

02 October 2026

From: sn

Igor Shesterkin watched as the puck flew through the air after he struck it with his stick—a straight, high shot down the ice. For the New York Rangers goalie, it looked like the long wait was finally over. Then he lost sight of the puck.

“I didn’t see the puck cross the line, so I didn’t know if I was allowed to celebrate or not,” Shesterkin said. The cheers of the crowd and his teammates running towards him with outstretched arms made it clear that he could celebrate. “Everyone started jumping on me,” Shesterkin said. “Incredible feelings.”

Shesterkin scored the first goal of his career as a goaltender, and the first goal ever by a Rangers goalie. This capped off the New York Rangers' 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in their home opener at Madison Square Garden on Thursday. He also made 24 saves, securing the Rangers' first win of the season.

"I didn't see the puck cross the line." Igor Shesterkin

The historic goal came at 17:26 in the third period, into the Lightning's empty net. Shesterkin scored it without an assist, becoming the 18th different goaltender to score in an NHL game. It was the 21st goal by a goaltender in NHL history and the 19th in the regular season.

Draisaitl's first goals of the season

Leon Draisaitl decided a high-scoring game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks in the NHL. The German ice hockey star helped the Oilers secure their first win of the season with his first two goals in a wild 9-7 victory against their Canadian rivals. They had previously suffered a 5-6 overtime home loss to the Canucks in their opening game.

Leon Draisaitl celebrated a wild victory with the Oilers. © APA / DEREK CAIN

In a swift revenge after their disappointing start to the North American professional league, the visitors were already leading 4-0 after the first period. Draisaitl increased the lead to 5-0 just 27 seconds into the second period. After Edmonton briefly extended their lead to 8-2, the Canucks closed the gap to 8-6 in the final period before Draisaitl sealed the victory with a goal in the 50th minute to make it 9-6.