The New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils made headlines on Wednesday night with an intense, full-on brawl just two seconds into their game. The chaos resulted in eight players, four from each team, being ejected before most fans had even settled into their seats.
The brawl was ignited by Rangers player Matt Rempe, who had a history of controversial plays against the Devils, including a previous ejection and suspension. Both coaches had anticipated tension by including Rempe and another physical player in their starting lineups, setting the stage for what would be a dramatic and chaotic start to the game.
To everyone’s surprise, all players on the ice (except for the goaltenders) became involved in separate fights, creating a chaotic and unforgettable scene. NHL rules dictate that any player involved in a fight after the initial altercation will receive a game misconduct penalty, leading to the ejection of four players from each team just seconds into the game.
Despite the early chaos, the Rangers managed to pull off a 4-3 victory over the Devils. However, the Devils are now facing serious implications for their playoff contention. Both coaches were seen exchanging words and tension was high following the brawl. Despite the seriousness of the situation, players and fans alike found the fights entertaining and agreed that it added to the overall atmosphere of the game, with many stating that the outcome was worth the price of admission.