With the Devils’ defense hurting, Nemec scored a game-winning goal early in the second overtime against the Hurricanes in Game 3 of the first-round series on Friday, minutes before midnight. The 3-2 win at Prudential Center pulled New Jersey to 2-1 in the series with Game 4 set at home for Sunday.

A late-night sprint down the ice late Friday night provided Simon Nemec redemption, offered a path back into the Eastern Conference quarterfinals for the New Jersey Devils -- and reminded the Carolina Hurricanes of the precarious nature of their position as favorites in the series.

The longest game in the history of the Prudential Center ended with some much needed life for the team that calls it home.