Three Takeaways From Penguins Historic Win Over Sabres

The Pittsburgh Penguins won big against the Buffalo Sabres on Friday, and Alex Nedeljkovic made NHL history.

The Pittsburgh Penguins began a monumental seven-game road trip that may decide their season. Their first game came Friday night against the Buffalo Sabres, and no one with a ticket would believe they'd witness history in the Penguins' 5-2 triumph.

Goalie Alex Nedeljkovic scored in the third period to become the first netminder in NHL history to record an assist and a goal in the same game. Meanwhile, he also became the first goalie to score in the ECHL, AHL, and NHL.

Moreover, the Pittsburgh powerplay was electric. It went 3-for-4, helping the team secure their second victory of 2025 and starting the trip on the right foot.

On Wednesday, the Penguins placed Tristan Jarry on waivers and recalled Joel Blomqvist to the NHL. Ultimately, this left the starting duties to Nedeljkovic, who didn't disappoint. 

In addition to making 40 saves to halt the Penguins' losing streak, Nedeljkovic picked up an assist on Cody Glass' goal in the second period, and by firing the puck into an empty net, he made NHL history. 

In the dressing room, his teammates teased him that he was only a fight away from a Gordie Howe hat trick.

Considering how shaky Pittsburgh goalies have been recently, Nedeljkovic's performance on Friday was one of the most reassuring moments the team has experienced in a while.

The Penguins and Sabres met once this season on Oct. 16. In that game, Evgeni Malkin scored goal No. 500, and Sidney Crosby picked up point No. 1600. 

Meanwhile, that game went into overtime, where the Penguins won 6-5 on a Crosby game-winner. 

On Friday, Pittsburgh had one of the campaign's best special teams games. It went 3-for-4 on the man advantage, and Nedeljkovic scored a goal while making 18 saves in the third period alone.

These two teams meet again on Mar. 27, and the Penguins should still be in the thick of the Eastern Conference wildcard race if they do not lead it. Considering how memorable their previous two meetings were, anyone with tickets will be in for a night to remember.

The Penguins continue their road trip on Saturday against the red-hot Alex Ovechkin and Washington Capitals. After their big win in Buffalo, the Penguins are building up momentum ahead of their next game, the second night of a back-to-back. 

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Thus far in 2024-25, Pittsburgh is 5-3 on the second night, which bodes well for them later tonight. 

For a team clinging to a good spot in the wildcard race, the energy from Nedeljkovic's goal and a big win should carry over into the game against the Capitals. With another victory, the team could go across the continent for their West Coast leg of the trip, riding a two-game win streak and a lot of momentum. 

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