CHICAGO, IL - MAY 11: Chicago Blackhawks celebrate after winning the Western Conference Semifinal Round of the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Vancouver Canucks on May 11, 2009 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images)
π₯ Simon Nemecβs Hat Trick in OT Sends Devils Past Blackhawks 4-3 β Chicagoβs Winning Streak Ends! πβ‘
The New Jersey Devils pulled off a heart-stopping victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night. Simon Nemec scored a hat trick, including the overtime game-winner at 3:26, giving the Devils a 4-3 triumph at the United Center. π±π₯
This was the first multi-goal game of Nemecβs three-season NHL career, and it came at the perfect moment. New Jersey has now won three of its last four games (3-0-1).
β‘ Game Summary: Back-and-Forth Action
The game started with high intensity. Connor Bedard opened the scoring at 18:35 of the first period on a power-play goal during a 5-on-3 advantage. Bedard one-timed a feed from Teuvo Teravainen, moments after hitting the crossbar alongside teammate Artyom Levshunov.
The Devils responded in the second period. Simon Nemec scored a backhander from just inside the left circle to tie the game. The goal showcased Nemecβs speed and hockey IQ.
Chicago regained the lead early in the third. Landon Slaggert, recalled from the AHL Rockford hours before, tipped Louis Crevierβs point shot to give the Blackhawks a 2-1 advantage. With several forwards injured β Andre Burakovsky, Jason Dickinson, and Frank Nazar β Slaggert shone on Chicagoβs fourth line.
However, the Devils answered quickly. Dawson Mercer converted a one-timer from Jack Hughes, tying the game once again. Just three minutes later, Nemec scored his second third-period goal, assisted by Stefan Noesen, to push the game into overtime.
π Overtime Drama
In overtime, Nemec cemented his place as the hero. He tapped a precise pass near the goal line into the net at 3:26, completing his hat trick and securing the Devilsβ thrilling win.
Jacob Markstrom was solid in goal, making 17 saves, while Spencer Knight stopped 33 shots for Chicago. Despite Knightβs efforts, the Blackhawks were outshot 37-20, including 27-8 after two periods. Chicagoβs three-game winning streak came to an end.
β οΈ Injuries and Impact Players
Both teams faced significant injuries. Chicago missed Burakovsky, Dickinson, and Nazar, yet Slaggert capitalized on the opportunity.
New Jersey wasnβt fully healthy either. Cody Glass left the first period after a hard slide into the boards and only returned for a single shift. Zack McEwen exited earlier after a hit from Connor Murphy.
Despite these challenges, the Devils demonstrated depth and resilience, key traits for a team aiming to climb the Metropolitan Division standings.
π Key Performers
For the Devils:
-
Simon Nemec β Hat trick, OT hero
-
Dawson Mercer β Game-tying goal in third period
-
Jack Hughes β Two assists, critical playmaker
For the Blackhawks:
-
Connor Bedard β Power-play goal, continues nine-game point streak
-
Landon Slaggert & Sam Lafferty β Key third-period goals
π₯ Analysis: What This Means
Nemecβs performance proves heβs a rising star in the NHL. His speed, vision, and clutch scoring make him a dangerous threat for any opponent. New Jerseyβs depth scoring and Markstromβs timely saves allowed them to overcome injuries and a potent Chicago offense.
Chicago showed flashes of brilliance but couldnβt finish. Bedard continues to impress, scoring in four straight games, but the Blackhawks will need more consistency to maintain momentum.
This game highlights why Nemec is becoming a household name in hockey circles. A defenseman scoring a hat trick, including OT heroics, is rare and electrifies fans.
About The Author
