Simon Nemec’s Hat Trick Lifts Short-Handed Devils to Dramatic OT Win in Chicago

Nemec’s Breakout Night: Defining Moments in Chicago

For the New Jersey Devils, November 12, 2025, will be remembered as the night Simon Nemec seized his moment and rewrote his narrative. In a season overshadowed by injuries and questions about depth, Nemec, the 21-year-old Slovak defenseman, delivered a legacy performance: three goals, including the game-winner in overtime, against the Chicago Blackhawks. It was a display not just of skill, but of resilience and composure under pressure.

The Devils entered Chicago’s United Center limping—literally. With key defensemen like Brett Pesce and Dougie Hamilton sidelined, Nemec was thrust into a bigger role. He’d struggled at times early in the season, his mistakes occasionally costly, and trade rumors swirling. But on this night, he answered every doubt with poise and precision. As NHL.com reported, Nemec called for a “Hail Mary” pass from goaltender Jacob Markstrom in overtime and finished a breakaway with a snapshot that beat Spencer Knight, clinching the 4-3 win and his first career hat trick.

Game Flow: Adversity and Response

The first period was a story of missed opportunities and mounting adversity. The Devils started strong, with Jesper Bratt nearly breaking through on a solo chance, but Knight kept the net shut. Then came a string of penalties—Ondrej Palat’s hooking, Luke Hughes’ tripping, and Brenden Dillon’s boarding—that left New Jersey defending a 5-on-3. Markstrom made several saves, but eventually, Connor Bedard exploited a scramble in the crease to put Chicago ahead.

Injuries quickly compounded the challenge. Both Zack MacEwen and Cody Glass, recently returned to action, were hurt in the first frame. Glass briefly tried to play in the second period but left for good after one shift, forcing the Devils to skate most of the game with just 10 healthy forwards. It’s a storyline that’s defined New Jersey’s season—a revolving door of absences, testing the depth and character of the squad.

Despite this, the Devils dominated the second period. They outshot Chicago 14-4 and controlled the puck with relentless forechecking. Still, Knight frustrated them, stopping breakaways by Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. As the clock wound down, Nemec found his first goal: joining the rush, weaving into the slot, and lifting a backhander past Knight with only seconds left. It was the breakthrough New Jersey needed, and a sign Nemec was ready to step up.

Resilience in the Third, Redemption in Overtime

The third period showcased the Devils’ resolve. Chicago twice regained the lead—first through Landon Slaggert’s redirected shot, then via Sam Lafferty’s solo effort after a defensive lapse. Each time, New Jersey responded. Dawson Mercer tied the game at 2-2, finishing a slick cross-ice pass from Jack Hughes. When Lafferty made it 3-2, Jack Hughes led another charge, connecting with Stefan Noesen, who set up Nemec for his second goal, tying it at 3-3.

Overtime offered Nemec his crowning moment. As Chicago changed lines, Markstrom spotted Nemec alone at the offensive blue line and sent a soft, arcing pass up ice. Nemec gathered it, accelerated into the zone, and fired a wrister over Knight’s shoulder. The puck sailed into the net, capping Nemec’s hat trick and giving the Devils their hard-fought victory. According to Yahoo Sports, it was only the third time a Devils defenseman recorded a hat trick in franchise history, and just the second since the team relocated to New Jersey.

Leadership and Team Dynamics: Finding Solutions Under Pressure

Behind the scenes, head coach Sheldon Keefe was forced to improvise. With two forwards out, lines were shuffled constantly, and players double-shifted to cover the gaps. Keefe’s adjustments, such as moving Arseny Gritsyuk to the top line with Jack Hughes and adding Mercer to the wing, paid dividends. The Hughes-Mercer-Gritsyuk unit dominated possession, out-attempting Chicago 29-5 and outshooting them 10-1 at even strength, per All About the Jersey.

Keefe joked post-game, “He showed the forwards how to do it,” referencing Nemec’s knack for joining the attack and finishing plays. Indeed, all three of Nemec’s goals came from forward-like positioning, highlighting the team’s emphasis on activating defensemen and creating offense from the blue line.

Veteran Nico Hischier also had a milestone night, notching his 434th NHL point—tying Mark Streit for fifth among Swiss-born players. As the Devils continue their road trip, such moments of individual achievement help buoy a team that’s been battered by injuries and inconsistency.

Injuries, Depth, and the Road Ahead

While the win was uplifting, it didn’t come without a price. MacEwen and Glass’s status remains uncertain, and Markstrom’s performance, though redeemed by his assist on the game-winner, continues to invite scrutiny. He allowed three goals, two of which were described as “pretty bad” by All About the Jersey, and his lateral movement was questionable on Chicago’s third goal.

Nemec’s emergence couldn’t be more timely. With the defensive corps depleted, his minutes have increased—he played 26:27 against Chicago, second only to Luke Hughes. After a rocky start to the season, Nemec has begun to string together solid performances, cementing his place in the lineup and quieting calls for a demotion to the AHL or a trade.

The Devils next travel to Washington to face the Capitals, still facing the daunting task of competing with a short bench. Their resilience in Chicago, led by Nemec’s historic night, offers hope that the team can weather the storm as reinforcements heal.

Simon Nemec’s hat trick was more than a statistical milestone—it was a statement of readiness and resolve. On a night when adversity threatened to define the Devils, Nemec’s performance provided clarity: in the NHL’s unpredictable landscape, opportunity favors the prepared and the bold.