Goalie goals have seen a resurgence in the NHL over the past decade, as after a 17-year dry spell, we have seen six goalie goals since 2020.

Five goalies actually scored by shooting the puck in the net, while Ilya Sorokin’s sixth saw him get credit for an own goal. One of the five who did shoot the puck in for their goal was none other than Edmonton Oilers goaltender Tristan Jarry, but more about him in a bit.

To score, a goalie needs a couple of different characteristics — they need to have excellent puck-handling skills and the ability to shoot the puck with some power the length of the ice. They also need the right attitude to try something this crazy in the first place, getting past the thought that his attempt could get picked off and turned into a scoring chance late in a tight game. This all amounts to needing the right environment, the right timing, and, ultimately, the right guy in net. How did Tristan Jarry score his NHL empty-net goal?

With the Tampa Bay Lightning’s net empty on Nov. 30, 2023, Jarry knocked down a dump-in and took a shot at glory. NHL Edge clocked the shot speed at 55 m.p.h. and had it travelling 149 feet in the air. These are numbers I’d be lucky to get to with two hands on a normal hockey stick, never mind a catching glove on one hand and a goalie stick doing the shooting. This feat obviously makes Jarry the Oilers’ best candidate to score this season. Jarry also has the right personality for the job, as he seems to be a fun-loving and easy-going guy. You need that type of mindset to take a chance like this.

Frederik Andersen is a more interesting option on the scoring front. While he isn’t regarded as a “Mike Smith” type puck handler, he certainly isn’t lacking the skills. Regarded as a goalie looking to make the smart, 15-foot pass to help the breakout rather than taking a full-length shot at goal or giving a home run pass to a forward. The skills are there, but the question is: will he try it? While mostly described as a calm, understated and reserved goalie, Andersen has one play that makes me think he might. In 2022, while on his way to the bench on a delayed penalty, the puck came to Andersen. Instead of letting it go by him or getting rid of it right away, he calmly dangled a few New York Rangers and kept the play moving. This makes me think that, if he feels the time is right, he might just give it a go.

Devon Levi might not be the one to do it, as playing the puck isn’t considered to be one of his strong suits. With that said, being in an environment around Jarry and Andersen might help him hone his puck-playing abilities, which would only help his odds. Fans will be happy if he stops the puck and leaves the contributions on the scoresheet to McDavid, Draisaitl, Jarry, and Andersen, though.

With the Oilers likely a favourite to win on most nights, the goalies should have ample opportunities to try for a goal this season. The Oilers scored 17 empty-netters last year in a season where they didn’t win as many games as many people expected. With a bounce-back year expected, they should have even more opportunities during the 2026-27 season. Combine this with a trend where many coaches are pulling the goalie earlier in games when down multiple goals, and this prediction is almost a sure thing… right?

An Oilers goalie has never scored a goal, and this could be the season for it. It’s easy to imagine one of the most electric Jack Michaels calls of the season as the puck sails through the air and into the net. Oilers fans would surely settle for another shot at winning the Stanley Cup, but a goalie goal would be icing on the cake.