An NHL goalie can score by shooting the puck into the opponent’s empty net, or by receiving credit after an opponent accidentally puts the puck into their own net. In either case, the goal must count under the NHL rules; simply making a save or touching the puck is not enough.
Two ways a goalie can be credited with a goal
| Route | Who sends the puck into the net? | Why the goalie gets credit |
|---|---|---|
| Direct empty-net goal | The goalie shoots the puck into the opponent’s unguarded goal. | The goalie propelled the puck into the opponent’s goal. |
| Opponent’s own goal | An opponent accidentally sends the puck into their own net. | The goalie was the last player on their team to touch the puck before it went in. |
How the direct empty-net goal happens
Usually, the opposing team pulls its goalie for an extra attacker while trailing late in a game. That leaves its net unguarded. If the goalie in possession shoots or clears the puck the length of the rink and it crosses the goal line inside that net, the goalie can score directly.
The NHL Official Rules 2025-26 state in Rule 78.2: “A goal shall be credited in the scoring records to a player who shall have propelled the puck into the opponent’s goal.” Rule 78 sets out the goal-crediting standard. A goalie does not have to leave the crease or be replaced to be eligible; the key is that the puck enters the opponent’s goal legally.
How a goalie gets credit for an opponent’s own goal
A goalie can receive credit without shooting the puck into the net. If the goalie is the last player on their team to touch it, and an opponent later accidentally puts it into that opponent’s own goal, the goalie is credited with the goal.
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For example, NHL.com reported that Ilya Sorokin was credited after making a save, then Nashville’s Steven Stamkos made an errant pass that went out of the zone and into Nashville’s own net. The puck entered the opponent’s goal, but the goalie’s last touch on the scoring team was the basis for his credit.
When an apparent goalie goal does not count
A shot traveling the full length of the rink is not automatically a goal. NHL Rule 78.5 identifies situations in which an apparent goal must be disallowed. For example, a puck entering after the referee has deemed play stopped does not count, and neither does one entering after the goal frame has been displaced.
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- DESIGNED FOR STREET HOCKEY: These street hockey masks are designed specifically for street hockey and offer superior protection in a streamlined design. In contrast, the lightweight design makes it comfortable to wear and easy to see, with the bonus of ventilation holes that reduce fogging and sweating.
- ADJUSTABLE FIT: Adjustable straps allow for a great and secure fit. With the design of our quick-snap elastic straps, you can adjust this hockey mask to fit virtually any head size. With its sturdy design, this goalie mask will keep its shape even through the most challenging games.
- DURABLE & SAFE: This hockey mask features high-impact plastic construction, designed to shield your face in all conditions, making it highly durable and comfortable for the goalie.
- MODERN SLEEK LOOK: With its modern and sleek design, it’s a mask that you can wear with confidence even in the summer heat.
- CONFIDENCE WITH COMFORT: This hockey gear is the perfect match for a young goalies leveling up their skills. The broad, clear vision gives them a great view of the whole area to focus on their game.
The puck must cross the goal line under the applicable goal rules. For a direct shot, it must enter the opponent’s properly positioned goal; for an own goal, the opponent must put the puck into their own goal and the goalie must meet the last-touch attribution condition.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How rare are NHL goalie goals?
In an October 2, 2026 article, NHL.com reported 21 goals credited to 18 different goalies in NHL history. The article said Igor Shesterkin joined that group with a goal on October 1, 2026: his shot went into Tampa Bay’s empty net with 2:34 remaining. The total is a dated historical tally and can change.
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Other examples in NHL.com’s account include Alex Nedeljkovic’s January 18, 2025 goal, when he gathered a dump-in and launched a shot that bounced into Buffalo’s empty net, and Sorokin’s 2025 goal by the own-goal route.
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- DESIGNED FOR STREET HOCKEY: These street hockey masks are designed specifically for street hockey and offer superior protection in a streamlined design. In contrast, the lightweight design makes it comfortable to wear and easy to see, with the bonus of ventilation holes that reduce fogging and sweating.
- ADJUSTABLE FIT: Adjustable straps allow for a great and secure fit. With the design of our quick-snap elastic straps, you can adjust this hockey mask to fit virtually any head size. With its sturdy design, this goalie mask will keep its shape even through the most challenging games.
- DURABLE & SAFE: This hockey mask features high-impact plastic construction, designed to shield your face in all conditions, making it highly durable and comfortable for the goalie.
- MODERN SLEEK LOOK: With its modern and sleek design, it’s a mask that you can wear with confidence even in the summer heat.
- CONFIDENCE WITH COMFORT: This hockey gear is the perfect match for a young goalies leveling up their skills. The broad, clear vision gives them a great view of the whole area to focus on their game.
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