Nemec Plays Hero Again, Devils Beat Blues 3-2

Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

There are some things in hockey that you just cannot teach. One of those things is the clutch gene, and it seems like Simon Nemec has been that guy for the Devils all year long. His overtime goal lifted the Devils past the Blue, improving their record to 15-7-1, putting them in sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference heading into American Thanksgiving.

Jacob Markstrom had a shaky start to the game, while the Devils conceded the game's first goal just a little over two minutes in off a deflection from Cam Fowler. The Devils responded a little later in the period from Timo Meier in front of the net. Meier has three goals in his last three games. Robert Thomas would regain the lead for the Blues on the game's first power play.

The Devils would get a power play in the second period and sustained plenty of pressure, which eventually saw Nico Hischier clean up the garbage in front to tie the game at two. The third period did not feature any goal scoring, but it did see the game's biggest moment. Ondrej Palat would take a double-minor high-sticking penalty. With the game tied, the Devils' penalty killers stepped up massively and killed it off.

The game would get to the end of regulation tied. The Devils dominated the overtime period and possessed the puck for the entirety of it. Leading to Nico Hischier drawing a defender behind the net and finding Simon Nemec cutting back door. Game over.

The Devils will have a quick turnaround with a back-to-back coming in Buffalo Friday, and home for a rematch with the Flyers.