Simon Nemec shines bright: New Jersey Devils rookie penetrates historical OT victory against Carolina Hurricanes
Image Via Twitter
An eventful night in history,
Simon Nemec
, the youngest player in the Devils' New Jersey roster, turned into an unexpected hero on this all-important night. The moment he scored the Devils' most critical goal echoes the thousands in Prudential Center as it buys them new hope in a playoff campaign that, with them trailing 2-1 in the best-of-seven series against the
Carolina Hurricanes
, now takes on a different kind of dramatic meaning because it ends in a sensational overtime victory heading into preparing for Game 4 and what would be an equalizer.
Simon Nemec delivers a breakthrough moment amid playoff pressure
Simon Nemec, a 21-year-old lad who has been in his second career Stanley Cup Playoff match, left fans and critics awestruck as he achieved the feat of scoring the game-winner in the epic double-overtime thriller. With the composure of someone much older, he skated past two Carolina Hurricanes players and fired a pinpoint wrist shot from the right circle to give the Devils a 3-2 victory in Game 3.
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around
Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List
Undo
The goal's emotional impact was clear, as seen by the jubilant face of Nemec while celebrating with his mates. He recalled the moment by saying,
'It was just an amazing feeling, especially this tough season for me. But a really big win for us and an important win.'
The regular season was tough for Nemec, who had just four points while facing some consistency issues. However, he has broken through in the postseason.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe praised Nemec for being ready for the occasion. Keefe added that the aggressiveness and temper under pressure that Nemec showed was reflective of the whole team's mind.
'I haven't watched the goal back, but I just thought it was a great play by him to jump in and attack, get a hard shot off,'
emphasized Keefe concerning the team's gritty effort during a high-stakes contest.
Nemec's goal was significant not just for the result on that given night but also historically. At 21 years and 69 days old, he became only the second defenseman in NHL history to score an overtime playoff goal at a younger age, behind Andrei Zyuzin. He set a Devils franchise milestone, too, as he eclipsed Adam Henrique to become the youngest-ever player to accomplish this in the playoffs.
Also Read:
Alex Ovechkin, the Greatest Of All Time, sets the tone, and the Washington Capitals boys follow it
Simon Nemec's coming of age in front of the Carolina Hurricanes has been perhaps a turning point for the
New Jersey Devils
and their playoff aspirations, but certainly a seal on his status as a star to watch in the future. The momentum now firmly swings in their direction, and the Devils will fight hard again in Game 4, ignited by the spark that is undeniably provided by Nemec.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
The Carolina Hurricanes try to pull a bold offseason coup for Mitch Marner in the free agency
With October and the NHL offseason around the corner, the Carolina Hurricanes look ready to become one of the most aggressive contenders in free agency. The franchise that is famous for its calculated moves and financial muscle is reportedly aiming for Toronto Maple Leafs wunderkind winger, Mitch Marner. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With Marner inching closer to entering unrestricted free agency on July 1, the desire of Carolina to attract high-end talent fits squarely with their hard push to finally attain that elusive Stanley Cup. This follows a strong 99-point season and run to the conference finals. Mitch Marner's creatively elite playmaking garners attention from the ambitious Carolina Hurricanes At an estimated valuation of $1.25 billion, Carolina is riding high as a serious contender for Mitch Marner once his current contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs expires. They have at their disposal an enviable $28 million salary cap space, and with ownership explicitly stating that they desire to spend to the limit, the team is focused on building that talent base that might have cost them a Stanley Cup appearance this year. Carolina management knows that through their playoff push, there remains an element missing from the offensive setup: creative, game-changing forwards who can swing moods. This charade fits Mitch Marner perfectly. With 102 points this season, including a league-best 75 assists, Marner has made himself one of the NHL's top playmakers. His career record of 741 points in 657 games testifies to his consistent dominance since his debut in 2016-17. Considering that period, he finds himself sitting in fifth place for total assists and eighth for overall points. There were rumors that Carolina was active in trade deadline events for Marner, but his no-movement clause kept him in Toronto. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now On the other hand, with no such clause now looming and keeping Marner out of reach with an asking price of $13 million per annum, Carolina is preparing for yet another big push. The need for a pure offensive threat is only becoming more apparent with the exit of Mikko Rantanen, who was once brought in to uplift Carolina's forward line but subsequently traded out to Dallas. Also, while Carolina prepares to make its pitch, the scenario in Toronto is still unfolding. Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has shed hints of organizational changes, stating that there is something going on with a reassessment of the team's DNA. Any specifics about Marner's contract have been avoided by him, which means there is still everything on the table. Marner has said he is grateful for his time with Toronto but has not explicitly outlined his long-term plans. Also Read: In case Mitch Marner is put into free agency, Carolina will be one of the first teams to come up with an offer so enticing that no one can refuse him. The chances of getting Marner seem so good with money and with the willingness to sign him; the pursuit of this particular star sends out a distinct message that this franchise is no longer willing to settle for deep runs: it is all about the Stanley Cup.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Carolina Hurricanes set to make major moves in 2025 NHL free agency
Carolina Hurricanes set to make major moves in 2025 NHL free agency (Image Source: Getty Images) The NHL offseason is almost here. As the 2025 Stanley Cup Final is about to begin, many teams are looking to improve. But one team is gaining attention for its bold plans. After another tough playoff run, they are ready to make big changes. Their general manager recently made strong comments that sparked a lot of interest. Now, fans are wondering what moves this team will make next. Carolina Hurricanes aim to spend big after playoff exit Following the Eastern Conference Final defeat on May 27, 2025, Carolina Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky met with the media at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. Tulsky unveiled the team's summer strategy during the presentation. He said, 'If there's any chance to get better, we're going to take it.' Tulsky added that the team has full approval to spend money to improve the roster. Carolina has a strong group of players already. But they have extra salary cap space going into the 2025–26 season. The NHL salary cap is expected to be $92.4 million. Tulsky said the Hurricanes are ready to use their space wisely. 'There's no guarantee we can find ways to spend all that money,' Tulsky said. 'But we're going to spend all summer trying.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta nueva alarma con cámara es casi regalada en General Pacheco (ver precio) Verisure Undo This comment showed that Carolina is serious about signing new talent. The Hurricanes have lost in the Eastern Conference Final two years in a row. Now, they want to break through and win the Stanley Cup. Also Read: I nsider reveals Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks preparing massive offers for Mitch Marner Eric Tulsky says Carolina Hurricanes want to win now and later Eric Tulsky made it clear that winning is the main goal. 'Our goal is to win a Cup,' he said. 'And our goal is to win more Cups after that and keep going.' He said the team wants to stay strong for many seasons. 'We're trying to build a team that can compete year after year,' Tulsky told the media. 'But competing isn't enough. We want to win.' As of now, Tulsky has not said which players the team is targeting. But with money to spend and a strong base of players, the Hurricanes could be one of the busiest teams in this free agency period. This summer, all eyes will be on Carolina to see what they do next.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Insider reveals Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks preparing massive offers for Mitch Marner
Insider reveals Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks preparing massive offers for Mitch Marner (Image Source: Getty Images) M itch Marner's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs is now a hot topic across the NHL. With just one year left on his contract, fans and analysts are closely watching what comes next. Recent insider reports hint that two teams- the Carolina Hurricanes and the Chicago Blackhawks are preparing massive offers to sign him. While no final decision has been made, the buzz around Marner's next move is growing stronger with each passing day. Carolina and Chicago prepare significant offers for Mitch Marner On March 8, 2025, NHL insider Chris Johnston reported on The Chris Johnston Show that the Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks are poised to make some of the most substantial financial offers to Mitch Marner. Both teams are interested in adding to their rosters and have Marner on their wish lists. The Carolina Hurricanes have long been intrigued by Marner. The team had trade talks with the Toronto Maple Leafs earlier this year, and they included Mikko Rantanen in a potential trade offer. Marner, however, refused to waive his no-movement clause, wanting to stay in Toronto. The Chicago Blackhawks, with ample salary cap space, are also in the mix. They are reportedly ready to offer a lucrative contract to Marner, aiming to bring his offensive prowess to their lineup. Also Read: Mitch Marner Sparks NHL Free Agency Frenzy As Insider Links Him To $1.85B Golden Knights After Leafs Collapse Mitch Marner remains focused on current season amid trade talks Despite the swirling rumors, Mitch Marner has maintained his commitment to the Maple Leafs. In a media session on March 9, 2025, Marner addressed the speculation, stating, 'I wasn't focused on it. You know, I'm sure that I had a feeling that maybe something might happen, but I'm here to play hockey with this team, like I said, and I'm focused on this team, and that's what I can tell you'. Teammate Auston Matthews also commented on Marner's handling of the situation, saying, 'He's handled things great. There are certain things that are out of your control, and that's one of them. It is what it is'. As the season progresses, the Maple Leafs and Mitch Marner will need to address his contract status. With significant offers potentially coming from Carolina and Chicago, the decision will have lasting implications for all parties involved.
