TWhen Alex Nedeljkovic played for the Detroit Red Wings, he was a locker room favorite. He was popular with teammates because he was affable, fun-loving, competitive athlete. He was a battler.

It’s not surprising he would be involved in a rare NHL goalie fight, although he didn’t start it,

With 14 minutes left in the San Jose Sharks’ 4-1 win against Florida, Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky skated down the ice to engage in a fight with Nedeljkovic. It was the first NHL goalie fight since 2020 (according to Sportsnet) when current Red Wings goalie Cam Talbot, then with the Calgary Flames, fought Edmonton’s Mike Smith.

Bobrovsky came after Nedeljkovic because the Sharks goalie went behind his net to start firing punches at Evan Rodrigues.

Florida Hockey Now’s story about the goalie fight said Florida coach Paul Maurice joked that Bobrovsky needed an “emotional outlet” because he gave up three goals in six minutes in the second period.

“I didn’t see much of anything, then I heard a couple of guys yelling ‘Ned!’ and I turned around and Bob was right there,” Nedeljkovic said. “That was about it. I was just trying not to get punched. Tried to throw one of my own and not look like too big of a fool doing it. I didn’t go into that expecting to fight.’’

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

John Gibson has been the NHL’s best goalie for the better part of two months

Paywall story: DHN columnist Bob Duff offers three reasons why the Red Wings keep winning.

James van Riemsdyk may be Steve Yzerman’s best free agent signing based on production vs. cost.

Red Wings Extra

Detroit is 7-2 in games decided in overtime. Only San Jose (9) and Montreal (8) have more overtime wins this season. . . The Red Wings are 16-2-4 in one-goal games this season. . . Detroit is 21-0-2 this season when scoring four-or-more goals (excluding shootout-deciding goals). . . Carter Bear (13th, 2025) has three goals and four assists for seven points in his last five games for the Everett Silvertips of the WHL. . . .Last season at 19, Detroit prospect Jesse Kiiskinen (acquired from Nashville) showed 14 goals and 30 assists for 44 points for HPK Hameenlinna in the SM-liga. This season, at 20, Kiiskinen has 11 goals and seven assists in 35 games for the same team.

The #RedWings reached the 30-win mark in 50 games – the fastest they’ve reached the plateau since 2011-12 (46 GP). pic.twitter.com/H2hK8ic40G

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) January 19, 2026

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: Jonathan Toews receive loud, emotional greeting from fans on his return to the United Center. Chicago Blackhawks. 

Colorado: Valeri Nichushkin was involved in a car accident, misses a game. Colorado Avalanche.

Florida: Alan Greenberg writes that Matthew Tkachuk’s return cannot come soon enough. Florida Panthers.

Philadelphia: Are the Flyers pursuing a trade for Robert Thomas? William James explores whether it is a good fit. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: The Penguins are in third place in the Metropolitan Division. Dan Kingerski puts that into perspective. Pittsburgh Penguins.