(New York) The New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils began Wednesday night’s game with a free-for-all involving all 10 players on the ice from the opening faceoff.
The main fight was between forwards Matt Rempe of the Rangers and Quebecer Kurtis MacDermid.
Both players have a history dating back to the last match between the two clubs, on March 11 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
During this match, Rempe refused an invitation to fight from MacDermid.
Later in the game, the Rangers forward hit defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler with a high elbow in his direction. Kempe was suspended four games for his actions.
The fight between Rempe and MacDermid was the longest, and their duel continued at center ice after the other four fights had ended.
Four players from each team were ejected from the match on Wednesday, just two seconds after it started.
In addition to Rempe, defensemen Jacob Trouba and K’Andre Miller and forward Barclay Goodrow were also forced out of the game for the Rangers.
MacDermid, defensemen Kevin Bahl, John Marino and forward Chris Tierney also saw their evening of work end.
Miller battled Marino, Trouba threw down the gloves against Tierney, Goodrow took on Bahl and Rangers forward Jimmy Vesey battled Curtis Lazar.
Vesey and Lazar were not evicted.
Some four minutes later, Rangers’ Will Cuylle engaged Dawson Mercer after Cuylle sent Brendan Smith into the ramp.