NHL1h ago
Panthers Call Up 6-9 Black, Who Sets Mark as Tallest NHL Goalie
Cooper Black became the tallest goaltender to play in a regular-season NHL game when the 6-9 netminder started for the Florida Panthers.
· 2 min read
On this page3 sections
Rookie sets height record
Cooper Black became the tallest goaltender to play in a regular-season NHL game when the 6-9 netminder started for the Florida Panthers. He stands 2 inches above the previous mark shared by four goalies listed at 6-foot-7. Black handled the pregame warmups alone at PPG Paints Arena before facing the Pittsburgh Penguins.
First-period action and result
The 25-year-old stopped a wrist shot from Kris Letang early and turned away a breakaway attempt by Rickard Rakell. Nick Robertson scored on a glove-side shot, becoming the first player to beat a goalie a foot taller than him since the 2019 playoffs. Black finished with 17 saves, but the Penguins won 4-0.
Path to the NHL and recent play
Florida signed the Alpena, Michigan native as an undrafted free agent in 2024 after he began playing at age 8 and added 5 inches in high school to reach 6-5. He arrived from the AHL affiliate in Charlotte after an injury to Jacob Markstrom. Last season there he posted a 25-13-4 record with a 2.47 goals-against average and a.903 save percentage. Coach Paul Maurice noted the time needed for a player that size to adjust to his frame.
Analysis, not a wagering instruction. Confirm every number on the sportsbook. 21+.
