Nemec’s Explosive OT Hat Trick Propels Devils Over Blackhawks
Šimon Nemec erupted in overtime to send the New Jersey Devils to a thrilling 4-3 road win against the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday at the United Center. With his first career multigoal night, Nemec sealed the deal with the winner at 3:28 of OT.
Nemec, the young defenseman for the Devils, finished with a hat trick—including the game-winning tally—to lift New Jersey past Chicago. He converted the winner on a stretch pass from goalie Jacob Markström, racing in and planting a wrister high-glove side at 3:28 of overtime. According to NHL.com, that goal brought the score to 4-3 and ended the contest.
The Devils struck back multiple times in the third period after falling behind. Nemec tied the game at 16:14 of the third thanks to a cross-ice feed from Stefan Noesen at the left post. Earlier, Chicago’s Landon Slaggert had given the Blackhawks a 2-1 lead after being recalled from the AHL, and Sam Lafferty then pushed Chicago ahead 3-2 with a slick backhand. The Devils continued to counterattack, and at 10:13, Mercer tied the score at 2 with a one-timer after falling to his knee and receiving a feed from Jack Hughes. CBS Sports notes that the Devils outshot Chicago 27-8 in the third and dominated much of the second period as well.
Hughes finished with two assists and Mercer added a key goal. Markström made 17 saves, per CBS Sports. On the other side, Chicago’s Connor Bedard extended his goal-scoring streak to four games and his point streak to nine, but the Blackhawks couldn’t finish off New Jersey’s push.
Fans on social media erupted as Nemec skated off celebrating, some calling it a breakout night for the young star. One tweet read, “Nemec just leveled up—an OT hat trick? Wow.” Another fan posted, “Devils keep showing heart. Chicago? Tough loss.” The tone among Devils supporters was one of pride and excitement, while Blackhawks fans expressed frustration: “Bedard’s streak is still hot, but we blew it late.”
The Devils will head east for a matchup against the Washington Capitals on Saturday, looking to carry the momentum from this win. The Blackhawks, on the other hand, host the Toronto Maple Leafs this weekend and must rebound to keep pace in the standings. For New Jersey, the win reinforces their Eastern Conference push. For Chicago, the loss serves as a reminder that winning streaks are not a guarantee.
