Simon Nemec shines bright: New Jersey Devils rookie penetrates historical OT victory against Carolina Hurricanes
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.
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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.
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