The New Jersey Devils have several players representing different countries at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games. On Wednesday, Simon Nemec and Jesper Bratt were among the Devils players contributing significantly as the men’s hockey tournament commenced, highlighting the importance of their presence for New Jersey Devils Olympics fans.
Nemec’s Key Role in Slovakia’s Unexpected Victory Over Finland
Simon Nemec helped Team Slovakia pull off an upset against Team Finland, a nation that has medaled in seven of the last eight Winter Olympics. Slovakia, considered an underdog, managed to suppress Finland’s star players through disciplined defense and strategic play. Nemec was vital in this effort, utilizing his NHL experience to defend effectively and facilitate offensive plays.
Nemec’s offensive contribution was especially noteworthy on Juraj Slafkovsky’s second goal, a power play score, where Nemec earned the primary assist. This duo made history as the first and second overall picks in the 2022 NHL Draft, marking the first time Slovakia secured both top picks. Their chemistry continued to uplift the Slovakian squad on this Olympic stage.
Bratt and Sweden Overcome Italy in a Closer-Than-Expected Matchup
In the day’s other opening game, Jesper Bratt, Jacob Markstrom, and Team Sweden faced off against host country Italy, which offered a surprisingly strong challenge. Although Markstrom did not start—the starting goalie position was held by Filip Gustavsson of the Minnesota Wild—he served as the backup. Despite Sweden’s dominant shot count of 60 to 22, Italy stayed competitive, largely thanks to goalkeepers Damian Clara and Davide Fadani.
Sweden eventually secured a 5-2 victory, but the close scoreline showcased Italy’s resilience. Jesper Bratt scored his first Olympic point off a rebound that Gustav Forsling converted into a hard slapshot goal. This milestone capped Bratt’s debut Olympic game with a significant contribution.
Upcoming Matchups Signal a Tense and Unpredictable Tournament
The initial games demonstrated the unpredictability of this Olympic hockey tournament. Slovakia will face Italy on Friday morning local time, while Sweden and Finland, longtime rivals, will meet simultaneously in another crucial matchup. These early results warn that no opponent should be underestimated going forward.
The New Jersey Devils also have several key players to watch in upcoming games. Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, and Jonas Siegenthaler will play with Team Switzerland against France, while Jack Hughes will represent Team USA in a game against Latvia. Although Switzerland and the United States face comparatively easier opponents to start, both teams must approach these games seriously to avoid unexpected difficulties.
As the tournament advances, the performances of Devils players like Nemec, Bratt, and their teammates will be critical to their countries’ success. Their early contributions have already sparked optimism, but the competition remains fierce and unpredictable.
