Tensions between the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers have been simmering for over a month, reaching a boiling point after Matt Rempe's controversial hits on Nathan Bastian and Jonas Siegenthaler.
Despite calls for accountability, Rempe had yet to answer for his actions, until tonight.
As the game commenced, Rempe found himself in the spotlight, forced to drop the gloves and confront the consequences of his plays. In a rare occurrence, a line brawl erupted immediately after the opening faceoff, with every player on the ice getting involved.
The intensity of the altercation led to the ejection of several players, including Rempe.
Believe that's game misconducts for MacDermid, Bahl, Marino, Tierney (NJ); Rempe, Goodrow, Miller, Trouba (NYR).
Refs rule Lazar v Vesey started first, everyone else as secondary altercation
Since the initial altercation, tensions continued to run high, with Dawson Mercer and Will Cuylle also engaging in fisticuffs.
Within the first eight minutes of play, a staggering 160 penalty minutes were already issued, underscoring the heightened emotions and fierce competition between these bitter rivals.
