The New Jersey Devils secured a 3-2 shootout victory over the Washington Capitals on Sunday, with Simon Nemec scoring the decisive goal in the fourth round of the shootout. The win came despite the absence of star forward Jack Hughes, who is expected to miss two months following finger surgery.
The Devils initially took a 2-0 lead, with Arseny Gritsyuk scoring on a power play and Luke Hughes adding another goal from atop the right circle. However, Washington responded in the third period with goals from Connor McMichael and Alexander Ovechkin, sending the game into overtime.
Captain Nico Hischier commented on the team’s effort: “Good teams find a way and we’ve got to hold the fort for (Jack). That’s what we’re trying to do here, and I think everybody bought in and that’s why we got a grindy win, that’s important for morale.” He added after the game: “It was a grindy win. We were grinding really hard and adversity is hitting us and it’s good to have that road win.”
Nemec has been productive recently, tallying five goals in his last three games including this shootout winner. Reflecting on his performance, Nemec said: “When Sheldon said I’m up (in the shootout), in my head I’m like, I’ve just got one move, so just go and try it and it worked. I’m happy for that.” Head coach Sheldon Keefe explained his decision: “He’s feeling it. But I also felt we needed a right handed shot to give the goaltender a different look. That was it. And you’re looking at righties, and we don’t have a ton of options there, and Nemo is feeling it, so why not?”
With Hughes sidelined due to injury—joining Zack MacEwen (out for an extended period) and Cody Glass (week-to-week)—the Devils adjusted their lineup by calling up Shane Lachance (making his NHL debut) and Nathan Légaré. Both players contributed minutes during their first games of the season.
Keefe emphasized team contributions: “Guys like Légaré and Lachance coming in today, we need minutes from these guys… You can’t get by if you’re not using six defensemen and four lines. We need minutes from those guys and everybody contributed in their own way and that’s what you need. That’s a team win. Full marks for our guys.”
During the game, Jesper Bratt wore an ‘A’ as alternate captain alongside Ondrej Palat due to Hughes’s absence.
A notable incident occurred late in the first period when Alex Ovechkin checked Bratt into the boards; Bratt remained down momentarily but returned to play after being attended by trainers.
This contest marked New Jersey’s fifth consecutive overtime game—a feat matched only twice before in franchise history during the 1995-96 season.
The Devils will next face off against Tampa Bay Lightning.
