Devils' Nemec: 'Amazing feeling' to score OT winner
Warning: Story contains coarse language
New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec is relishing his moment as the hero after scoring the double-overtime winner in Game 3 to trim the Carolina Hurricanes' series lead to 2-1.
"It was (a) fucking amazing feeling," Nemec said postgame. "Especially in this tough season for me. But really big win for us."
Nemec danced around Shayne Gostisbehere before his wrister trickled past Frederik Andersen just 2:36 into the second overtime period.
The second overall pick in 2022, Nemec played 60 games as a rookie in 2023-24 but was limited to 27 appearances in 2024-25. He spent most of the season in the AHL instead.
The 21-year-old expressed his frustration with the assignment in January, stating that while it's too early to consider requesting a trade, "I belong in the NHL."
Nemec got his opportunity to enter the lineup in Game 2 following injuries to Luke Hughes and Brenden Dillon. He played just 14:12 in the 3-1 loss but saw his ice time increase to 22:39 in Game 3 after Johnathan Kovacevic exited with an injury and left New Jersey with five defensemen for most the game.
"I feel like my confidence is back, last couple games. Just trying to play my game," Nemec said. "I have to play offense. My confidence is higher, I just feel good about myself right now."
Nemec and the Devils will look to even the series Sunday.