Simon Nemec Achieves First Career Hat Trick, Securing Overtime Win for Devils

Defenseman Simon Nemec, 21, recorded his first career hat trick on Wednesday, scoring three goals on five shots and going plus-4 in the New Jersey Devils' 4-3 overtime victory against the Blackhawks. His first two goals tied the game, and his third was the game-winner at 3:28 of overtime. This performance followed his first goal of the season on Monday versus the Islanders. Nemec has now potted a career-high four goals and added eight assists, 22 shots on net, 27 blocked shots, and a plus-5 rating over 17 appearances this season. Signed to a three-year entry-level contract in July 2022, Nemec is expected to continue seeing increased usage while Dougie Hamilton (lower body) and Brett Pesce (upper body) are sidelined.