Hold on to your hats, Devils fans! Simon Nemec just delivered a performance for the ages: a hat trick and the game-winning goal in a nail-biting 4-3 overtime victory against the Chicago Blackhawks. But this wasn't just about scoring; it was about dominance. Let's break down how this incredible game unfolded, and why it might just be the turning point Nemec needed.
First Period: Penalties and Peril
The Devils came out strong, buzzing in the Blackhawks' zone for the first few minutes. Jesper Bratt nearly opened the scoring with a dazzling breakaway, showcasing his speed and skill, but Blackhawks goalie Spencer Knight slammed the door shut. It was a sign of things to come: offensive pressure from New Jersey, stellar goaltending from Knight.
Midway through the period, the Devils' third line was generating serious momentum, forechecking relentlessly and cycling the puck to keep Chicago pinned in their own end. But here's where it gets controversial... Ondrej Palat took a hooking penalty trying to force a turnover, halting the Devils' momentum and giving the Blackhawks their first power play. Was it a necessary penalty? That's up for debate.
Even shorthanded, the Devils threatened. Bratt and Nico Hischier broke out on a 2-on-1, but Hischier fumbled the pass attempt, resulting in only a weak shot. The Blackhawks managed four shots on their power play, but the Devils penalty kill held firm...for a while.
The period took a turn for the worse as Zack MacEwen absorbed a heavy hit behind the Chicago net and headed to the locker room, appearing injured. Then, Luke Hughes was called for tripping, followed shortly by Brenden Dillon's boarding penalty. Suddenly, the Devils were facing a lengthy 5-on-3 disadvantage. While New Jersey had controlled the 5-on-5 play, those penalties gave Chicago a lifeline.
And then...disaster struck. After some near misses and saves by Jacob Markstrom, the Devils' goalie had a moment no one could explain. Markstrom inexplicably lost his footing in the slot, flailing wildly as he tried to track the puck. The net was wide open, and Connor Bedard capitalized with a one-timer to give Chicago a 1-0 lead. Seriously, go back and watch the replay. What was Markstrom thinking?
To add insult to injury, Cody Glass went hard into the boards late in the period and appeared to injure his arm. The Devils' injury woes are becoming a serious crisis. MacEwen and Glass both leaving the game in the first period alone? Unacceptable. The period ended with the Devils down 1-0, despite dominating the 5-on-5 play. Penalties had been their undoing.
Second Period: Tenacious Devils Tie It Up
MacEwen didn't return for the second period, and Glass soon followed him to the bench, waving to signal he couldn't continue. The Devils were now down to just 10 forwards for the remainder of the game. Despite the adversity, they kept pushing.
Jack Hughes drew a hooking penalty, giving the Devils their first power play. They generated some good chances but couldn't find the back of the net. A few minutes later, the ice opened up, with Hughes and Hischier both getting breakaways in quick succession, only to be denied by Knight. It felt like the Devils were knocking on the door, but couldn't quite break through. And this is the part most people miss... the Devils never gave up.
With just seconds remaining in the period, the Devils finally broke through. Hischier carried the puck into the zone and dropped a pass to Simon Nemec, who weaved through the slot and fired a backhand shot that somehow snuck past Knight. Tie game! After all those high-danger chances, it was a seemingly innocuous shot that finally beat the Blackhawks' goalie. Hockey, am I right?
The Devils thoroughly dominated the second period, outshooting Chicago 14-4 and controlling nearly 80% of the expected goals at 5-on-5. To do that on the road, with only 10 forwards, was truly impressive.
Third Period: Trading Blows, Setting the Stage for Heroics
The Devils continued to press in the third, but Chicago struck first. A turnover by Luke Hughes led to a shot from the point that deflected off Landon Slaggert and past Markstrom. Chicago regained the lead, 2-1.
The Devils responded again, with Jack Hughes setting up Dawson Mercer for a one-timer to tie the game at 2-2. But then, Sam Lafferty pulled off a highlight-reel goal, toe-dragging around both Luke Hughes and Markstrom to put the Blackhawks back in front. Markstrom's struggles continued, and the Devils were doing everything they could to compensate.
But the Devils weren't done yet. A beautiful passing play from Jack Hughes to Stefan Noesen to Nemec resulted in Nemec's second goal of the game, tying the score once again! The Devils were refusing to lose.
Overtime: Nemec's Crowning Moment
The overtime period was all Devils. Jack Hughes nearly drew a penalty, and Luke Hughes, Mercer, and Meier all had quality chances. Then, Luke Hughes carried the puck back to Markstrom to maintain possession. Markstrom made a long pass to Nemec at the blue line, and Nemec skated in and fired a wrist shot that beat Knight top shelf. Hat trick! Game over! Simon Nemec, the hero of the night.
Quick Hits: Beyond the Box Score
- Late Start: The game started ridiculously late due to TNT's broadcast schedule. A 9:30 PM ET start time in Chicago? No thanks, NHL.
- Nemec's Dominance: It wasn't just the goals; Nemec controlled the play all night, logging huge minutes (26:27) and posting an incredible 81% expected goals for percentage.
- History Made: Nemec is only the third Devils defenseman in franchise history to record a hat trick!
- Hughes-Mercer-Gritsyuk Line: This line needs to stay together. They absolutely dominated the Blackhawks when they were on the ice.
- Hischier's Improvement: It was encouraging to see Nico Hischier have a better game, controlling play and generating chances.
- Markstrom's Struggles: Despite the assist on the game-winner, Markstrom had another shaky performance. Two of the three goals he allowed were questionable at best.
- More Injuries: The Devils' injury woes continue, with MacEwen and Glass both leaving the game early.
Next Up: The Devils travel to Washington to take on the Capitals on Saturday.
Your Take: What did you think of the game? Were you impressed with Nemec's performance? Do you think Markstrom is injured? And most importantly, can the Devils please catch a break with the injuries? Sound off in the comments below!
