Thrilling Overtime Victory
In a thrilling overtime match Wednesday night, the New Jersey Devils claimed a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, with defenseman Simon Nemec scoring the decisive goal just over three minutes into the extra period. The win marked the Devils’ impressive seventh consecutive triumph against Chicago and improved their record to 3-0-1 in their last four games, solidifying their position as leaders in the Eastern Conference.
Simon Nemec’s Hat Trick
Nemec achieved his first career hat trick by capitalizing on a stretch pass from goalie Jacob Markstrom, racing forward and finding the back of the net high on Spencer Knight’s glove side. This performance followed a streak where Nemec struggled to score in the first 15 games of the season, making his recent scoring spree particularly notable.
Key Contributions
Dawson Mercer also contributed a goal and Jack Hughes assisted on two plays for the Devils, showcasing their strong offensive unit. On the other hand, Connor Bedard, the Blackhawks’ rising star, continued his remarkable play, scoring for the fourth consecutive game and extending his points streak to nine games, which includes eight goals and 11 assists.
Game Highlights
The game’s scoring action kicked off with Bedard netting a power-play goal, taking advantage of a 5-on-3 opportunity late in the first period. Despite being outshot 14-3 in the second, Chicago’s Spencer Knight delivered an admirable performance, keeping the game alive. Nemec eventually answered back with a swift backhand goal just before the end of the period, leveling the score at 1-1.
The back-and-forth scoring continued into the third, where Landon Slaggert, recently called up from the AHL, scored to briefly put the Blackhawks back in the lead. However, Mercer quickly equalized with a one-timer set up by Hughes, followed by Sam Lafferty’s impressive goal that edged Chicago ahead again. Just before the conclusion of regulation, Nemec scored another equalizer, sending the game into overtime at 3-3.
Milestones and Upcoming Matches
Additionally, the night marked a milestone for Ryan Donato, who played his 500th NHL game. Looking ahead, the Devils will face the Washington Capitals on Saturday, while the Blackhawks prepare to host the Toronto Maple Leafs on the same day.
