Nemec's Hat Trick Powers Devils to 4-3 OT Win vs Blackhawks

In Chicago, defenseman Simon Nemec scored three times, including the game-winner 3:28 into overtime, to lead the New Jersey Devils to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night at the United Center.

The 21-year-old Nemec, who had gone scoreless in his first 15 games this season, completed his first career hat trick by taking a stretch pass from goaltender Jacob Markstrom, breaking in alone and beating Chicago's Spencer Knight high on the glove side. It marked Nemec's second straight multigoal game and extended New Jersey's winning streak against the Blackhawks to seven contests. Dawson Mercer added a goal for the Devils, while Jack Hughes collected two assists. Markstrom finished with 17 saves in the win.

For Chicago, forward Connor Bedard opened the scoring with a power-play goal 1:25 into the first period during a five-on-three advantage, firing into an open net after Markstrom had committed to a poke check. The goal extended Bedard's point streak to a career-high nine games, during which he has tallied eight goals and 11 assists. Landon Slaggert, recalled earlier Wednesday from Rockford of the American Hockey League, scored in the third period, and Sam...