Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026
SBNation.com homepageSB NationSB Nation logo

Joel Ward doesn’t need to look at the net to score

Joel Ward’s having a fine season for the Capitals, and now he’s even scoring goals without even looking at the net.

by Adam Gretz
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Part Of
NHL Monday: Jimmy Howard struggles in return; Blackhawks sneak by Kings
see all updates

Joel Ward scored his 12th goal of the season on Monday night to open the scoring for Washington just two minutes into their game at Ottawa. It was probably the first goal he's scored this season (and perhaps maybe in his career) without even looking at the net.

Wardgoal_medium

Nice shot, and a bit of puck luck as the butt end of Craig Anderson’s stick seems to redirect it into the net.

More from SB Nation NHL:

• The Rink of Dreams: One Mich. family created an outdoor hockey paradise

• #Buttgoal | Did the officials get the call right?

• Shallow Pal: How smaller nets lead to more goals

• Avoiding a Shanaban: Both sides of the Tom Wilson hit

See More:

More in: NHL Monday: Jimmy Howard struggles in return; Blackhawks sneak by Kings

AM Roundup: Jimmy Howard struggles in returnAM Roundup: Jimmy Howard struggles in return
Schenn brothers giveth and taketh awaySchenn brothers giveth and taketh away
Ovechkin unhappy with officialsOvechkin unhappy with officials
By Adam Gretz

More in NHL

NHL
How the Carolina Hurricanes could become an NHL dynastyHow the Carolina Hurricanes could become an NHL dynasty
NHL

The Stanley Cup champs have everything set to turn into a dynasty.

By James Dator
NHL
NHL mock draft 2026: Complete 1st round after the Stanley CupNHL mock draft 2026: Complete 1st round after the Stanley Cup
NHL

Our first look at the 1st round following the Stanley Cup.

By James Dator
NHL
The Carolina Hurricanes face a tough Stanley Cup Final decision that isn’t difficult at allThe Carolina Hurricanes face a tough Stanley Cup Final decision that isn’t difficult at all
NHL

The Canes have only one path left to win the Stanley Cup.

By James Dator
NBA
Ticket prices are destroying the World Cup, NBA Finals, and Stanley Cup on resale marketTicket prices are destroying the World Cup, NBA Finals, and Stanley Cup on resale market
NBA

Sports are being torn apart by scavengers.

By James Dator
NHL
NHL unveils new All-Star format, and it’s incredibleNHL unveils new All-Star format, and it’s incredible
NHL

This is such a good idea.

By James Dator
NHL
NHL Stanley Cup Final preview and prediction for Hurricanes vs. Golden KnightsNHL Stanley Cup Final preview and prediction for Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights
NHL

Who has the edge in each key area of this Stanley Cup battle?

By James Dator

The Latest