He did it again. Simon Nemec has not single-handedly won three games in the past two weeks. He scored an overtime goal to complete the hat trick against the Chicago Blackhawks, which was, of course, the last time we saw Jack Hughes play for the Devils. In the next game against the Washington Capitals, Nemec scored the shootout winner, securing two points for the Devils again.
On Wednesday night, Nemec scored another overtime game-winner. This time, Nico Hischier led the drive, pulling two defenders his way. The St. Louis Blues lost sight of Nemec, and he was open in front of the net all alone.
Hischier found the young defenseman, and the game was over. The Devils secured another two points, and they raised their home record to 9-0-1. It’s a record for wins in their first 10 games at home, and it’s officially a 10-game points streak at the Prudential Center.
Simon Nemec saves the game for the New Jersey Devils... again
Nemec’s name has been back in trade rumors this week, but it’s for a completely different reason. At one point, Devils fans were hoping they could sell teams on the upside of Simon Nemec to get a forward upgrade. Now, Vancouver Canucks fans are salivating at the possibility they could get themselves another future star in the former second-overall pick in a possible Quinn Hughes trade.
However, it’s hard to think that the Devils could trade Nemec for anyone, even Quinn Hughes.
Nemec, as of this writing, has five goals and nine assists for 14 points in 23 games. He's also a +8. Listen, we understand nobody likes +/- anymore, but you have to acknowledge how important it is for Nemec to be on the ice for eight more goals scored at even strength than he's seen scored against the Devils. That shows his level of growth this season.
For now, the Devils need to appreciate everything Nemec is bringing to the lineup. He’s one of eight players in the NHL with two overtime goals this season. Montreal’s Cole Caufield leads the league with three. He’s one of the best offensive defensemen in the NHL, and he’s not even getting PP1 time.
Who knows where the Devils would be if Nemec didn’t take this ridiculous of a step forward, but it’s hard to believe that the team would be in first place in the Metropolitan Division without Simon Nemec.