The Boston Bruins continued to show why they are among the best teams in the NHL tonight as they shutout the New Jersey Devils 3-0. For the Devils though, there were a couple of bright spots in the game, including one impressive play from rookie defenseman Simon Nemec.
Nemec Puts Marchand In His Place With Body Slam
Marchand of course, is known for his pest-like qualities. He is constantly getting under his opponents skin and he rarely faces serious consequences for it. Tonight though he learned not to mess with Simon Nemec as the rookie blueliner quickly and effortlessly took him down to the ice as he skated to him looking for trouble.
As the Devils had little to get excited about in this game, even the social media team took notice of the play as they posted the takedown themselves on X.
Nemec was not the only rookie Devil to put his mark on this game however.
Devils Rookie Goalie Shines Against Boston Bruins In Loss
Rookie netminder Nico Daws also showed up big time as he gave up just two goals to the Bruins who generated more than 4.5 expected goals on their shots against him according to publicly available models.
The #NJDevils were supposed to lose that game given the strength of their roster.
Nico Daws stopped +2.66 goals above expected. His season SV% raised to .922%.
Simon Nemec was in Brad Marchand's head all afternoon.
Lots of good signs that may mean more than the outcome.
The Devils have had significant problems in goal this season. In fact, their goalie situation has arguably been the one area of their game that has held them back the most this season. If Daws can continue to play like this then the team could find themselves on a hot streak as they look to secure a playoff spot this season.