Can a Goaltender Get an Assist in the National Hockey League NHL?
Goaltenders' Roles:
In ice hockey, goaltenders primarily protect their team's net and prevent goals. They are not typically involved in offensive plays and do not attempt to score goals themselves.
Assisting in the NHL:
An assist is awarded to a player who passes the puck to a teammate who subsequently scores a goal. Goaltenders cannot receive assists because they do not handle the puck during offensive plays.
Exceptions:
However, there are two scenarios where a goaltender could potentially receive a secondary assist:
- Puck Handling: If a goaltender physically handles the puck outside the crease and initiates a scoring play, they can be credited with an assist if the puck is later passed to a teammate who scores.
- Clearing the Puck: If a goaltender clears the puck from their own zone and it is intercepted by a teammate who initiates the scoring play, the goaltender may receive a secondary assist.
Instances of Goaltender Assists:
Throughout NHL history, there have been a handful of instances where goaltenders have received assists:
- In 1934, Tiny Thompson of the Boston Bruins received an assist on a goal by Eddie Shore.
- In 1955, Gerry McNeil of the Chicago Blackhawks received an assist on a goal by Bill Gadsby.
FAQs:
- Can goaltenders score goals in the NHL? No, goaltenders cannot score goals in the NHL.
- Can a goaltender get a primary assist in the NHL? No, goaltenders cannot receive primary assists.
- What are some ways a goaltender can get a secondary assist? By handling the puck outside the crease or clearing the puck and setting up a scoring play.
- Is it rare for goaltenders to receive assists? Yes, it is very rare for goaltenders to receive assists.
- Who was the last goaltender to receive an assist in the NHL? Gerry McNeil of the Chicago Blackhawks in 1955.
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