Devils Drop First Home Regulation Loss, but Simon Nemec's Emergence Offers Hope
Saturday night wasn't kind to the New Jersey Devils, as they suffered their first regulation loss at home this season in a 5-3 defeat to the Philadelphia Flyers. It was a game that exposed some familiar cracks - defensive lapses, inconsistent goaltending - but also offered a glimpse of something the Devils have been searching for: a steadying presence on the blue line.
Enter Simon Nemec.
The 2022 second-overall pick has quietly - and now, not so quietly - started to look the part of a top-pairing defenseman. With Dougie Hamilton’s play trending downward and Luke Hughes still trying to find his breakout moment, Nemec’s recent performances have been a welcome development.
It’s early, sure. But for the past couple of weeks, he hasn’t just looked like a capable NHL defenseman - he’s been playing like a potential No.
That’s no small thing for a Devils team that’s been in desperate need of defensive stability. Nemec brings poise, vision, and a calmness with the puck that belies his age.
His reads in transition have been sharp, and he’s showing more confidence jumping into the play offensively. While it’s premature to anoint him as the team’s long-term anchor on the back end, the signs are there.
And right now, that’s exactly what this team needs.
Attendance Trending Up in Newark
Despite the recent loss and some key injuries, including to star forward Jack Hughes, the Devils have been drawing well at home. In fact, they’ve moved into Tier 1 in league attendance rankings, averaging an additional 657 fans per game compared to last season. That boost tracks with the team’s hot start in October, when they were one of the NHL’s most exciting squads to watch.
The big question now is sustainability. Can the Devils keep fans engaged if injuries linger and inconsistency creeps in? That’s something to monitor as the season unfolds, especially with expectations higher than they’ve been in years.
Around the League
Kyle Palmieri made headlines with a highlight-reel play - while injured, no less. It’s the kind of gritty, determined moment that defines his game and reminds fans why he’s such a respected veteran presence.
Elsewhere, the New York Rangers will be without Adam Fox for a stretch. The dynamic defenseman’s absence is a significant blow, and the Rangers will need to dig deep to maintain their early-season momentum.
In Montreal, Mike Matheson secured a five-year extension, signaling the Canadiens’ belief in his long-term role on their blue line. It’s a commitment to stability on a team still shaping its identity.
Quarter-Season Check-In: Time for Grades
With the NHL season officially a quarter of the way through - and U.S. Thanksgiving now in the rearview - teams are starting to show us who they really are.
This is the part of the calendar where trends start to solidify, and expectations get re-evaluated. That’s why this week’s league-wide report cards are worth paying attention to.
Every team is being measured not just by wins and losses, but by how they’re performing relative to what we thought they’d be.
It’s still early, but the picture is getting clearer.
Olympic Arena Concerns Loom
Looking ahead to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, there’s growing concern about the main ice hockey arena’s readiness. Construction delays are pushing completion dangerously close to the wire.
And with NHL players expected to return to Olympic competition for the first time in over a decade, the stakes are high. There is currently no backup venue in place, which adds a layer of urgency - and anxiety - to the situation.
For now, all eyes remain on the calendar and the construction crews. The hockey world is hoping for a miracle finish - on and off the ice.