Simon Nemec scores in OT to lift the Devils past the Flames, 2-1

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New Jersey Devils' Simon Nemec, bottom, celebrates after his overtime goal against the Calgary Flames during NHL hockey game action in Calgary, Alberta, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. (Larry MacDougal/The Canadian Press via AP)

New Jersey Devils' Simon Nemec, left, scores in overtime against Calgary Flames goalie Devin Cooley during NHL hockey game action in Calgary, Alberta, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. (Larry MacDougal/The Canadian Press via AP) — New Jersey Devils' Simon Nemec, bottom, celebrates after his overtime goal against the Calgary Flames during NHL hockey game action in Calgary, Alberta, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. (Larry MacDougal/The Canadian Press via AP)

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11:01 PM on Monday, January 19

The Associated Press

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — Simon Nemec scored at 1:18 of overtime to give the New Jersey Devils a 2-1 victory over the Calgary Flames on Monday night.

Nemec took a backhand pass from Jack Hughes and beat goalie Devin Cooley from close range.

Jacob Markstrom made 21 saves to help New Jersey rebound from a 4-1 home loss to Carolina on Saturday night for its third victory in four games.

Dawson Mercer opened the scoring for New Jersey at 7:51 of the second period, and Nazem Kadri tied it at 9:44 of the period. Rookie Matvei Gridin got his first NHL assist on Kadri's goal.

Cooley stopped 29 shots. The Flames had won two in a row.

Devils defenseman Luke Hughes left in the second period after appearing to be shaken up during a puck battle along the boards.

Defenseman Zach Whitecloud made his Calgary debut after being acquired from Vegas on Sunday along with two draft picks and a prospect in a trade that sent longtime Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Golden Knights. Whitecloud had two shots and three blocked shots in 22:33.

Up next

Devils: At Edmonton on Tuesday night.

Flames: Host Pittsburgh On Wednesday night.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl