Intense 5-on-5 Brawl Kicks Off Rangers vs. Devils NHL Game
In a shocking turn of events, the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils ignited an intense five-on-five brawl just two seconds into their game on Wednesday night. The brawl resulted in eight players being ejected, with four from each team, leaving fans stunned and the benches sparse.
The catalyst for this explosive altercation was Rangers’ newcomer Matt Rempe. Known for his aggressive style of play, Rempe had previously delivered a dangerous elbow to Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler during their last encounter on March 11. This incident had led to Rempe’s ejection and subsequent four-game suspension. Additionally, Rempe had also thrown a controversial hit on Nathan Bastian back in February, a move that the Devils, particularly forward Kurtis MacDermid, believed he should answer for.
Anticipating retaliation, both coaches, Travis Green of the Devils and Peter Laviolette of the Rangers, decided to include Rempe and MacDermid in their starting lineups. However, what unfolded on the ice was beyond anyone’s expectations. As the puck dropped, not only did Rempe and MacDermid engage in a fight, but all eight remaining players on the ice also dropped their gloves and joined in the chaos.
Rangers forward Jimmy Vesey squared off against Devils forward Curtis Lazar, while Rangers center Barclay Goodrow tangled with Devils defenseman Kevin Bahl. The captains of each team, Jacob Trouba of the Rangers and Chris Tierney of the Devils, found themselves wrestling in the heat of the moment. Meanwhile, Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller and Devils defenseman John Marino engaged in their own intense bout. The fans were left bewildered, not knowing where to direct their attention amidst the flurry of fists.
The NHL rulebook explicitly states that any player who receives a major penalty for fighting after an initial altercation has started should be given a game misconduct penalty. Following this rule, the officials determined that the Vesey-Lazar fight had started first, leading to the ejection of all players involved in subsequent fights. This meant that four players from each team were ejected a mere two seconds into the game.
Among those ejected was Rempe, who left the ice with a bloody mouth but not before giving the Madison Square Garden crowd a few defiant “let’s go” hand gestures. The tension didn’t end there, as both coaches, Green and Laviolette, exchanged heated words amidst the chaos. Green expressed his dissatisfaction with the entire Rangers team fighting alongside Rempe, while Laviolette took offense to his comments.
The unexpected brawl and subsequent ejections left the benches surprisingly spacious for both teams. For the Devils, who are currently on the verge of being eliminated from playoff contention, this game held little significance beyond the chance to disrupt their rival’s pursuit of the President’s Trophy. On the other hand, the Rangers, vying for the top spot in the regular season standings, were determined to maintain their dominance.
As fans and analysts alike reflect on this extraordinary event, it serves as a reminder of the passion and intensity that can erupt on the ice. While fights are not uncommon in hockey, witnessing an all-out brawl just seconds into a game is a rare spectacle. The clash between the Rangers and Devils will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most dramatic and chaotic moments in recent NHL history.
(Photo: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)