Wednesday’s NHL action featured a WWE-style brawl, which is rather fitting since WrestleMania 40 weekend is just three days away.
The New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers squared off at Madison Square Garden tonight in a pivotal NHL clash between the two longtime Metropolitan Division rivals.
And by the time the referee had dropped the puck, a WWE Royal Rumble-like brawl had quickly broken out. All five skaters on each team exchanged fisticuffs, with Kurtis MacDermid (New Jersey) and Matt Rempe (New York) teaming up for a heavyweight-style fight:
Per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Jimmy Vesey and Curtis Lazar were the only skaters in the brawl who weren’t ejected. This is because they “declared” the initial fight, which is essentially fair game in hockey. As such, the remaining eight wound up getting ejected.
Also Read: 10 NHL Players That Need To Be Traded In The Offseason
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NHL stories via Google! Follow Us
Indeed, there is no love lost between these two bitter rivals, whose history dates all the way back to 1982. It’s too bad that New Jersey faces incredibly long odds of reaching the postseason, because this is the final regular season meeting on the schedule for the two clubs.
New York and New Jersey met in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last year. There, New Jersey eliminated the Rangers in a thrilling seven-game series for their first NHL playoff series victory in 11 years.
The Rangers Are Ready For The NHL Postseason
The New York Rangers are on their way to reaching the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the third straight season, and they’re still in the running for the league’s best record as the postseason draws closer.
Peter Laviolette’s Rangers have been among the top NHL clubs since opening night, and they unquestionably look ready for the playoffs. Today’s fight with New Jersey is a prime example that they’re fully prepared for the intensity and physically-demanding work it’ll take to go all the way.
Also Read: 10 NHL Forwards Who Went From Superstars To Forgettable Overnight
