Wednesday’s matchup between the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils began with a 5-on-5 all-line brawl that resulted in eight ejections.
A wild scene erupted when Jimmy Vesey and Curtis Lazare dropped their gloves just two seconds into the first period. After a few seconds, all eight fighters paired up and threw punches. Rangers center Barclay Goodrow faced defenseman Kevin Bahr, and Rangers captain Jacob Trouba faced Devils center Chris Tierney. Rangers defenseman Quandre Miller got into a scuffle with Devils defenseman John Marino. Matt Lempe and Curtis McDiarmid gave hockey fans the longest show, continuing to swing at each other long after the other games were over.
Fans and photographers were wondering where to look at the chaotic scene.
Lempe was considered a favorite after he elbowed Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler in the jaw in their last meeting in March. The Devils still hadn’t forgotten about the controversial hit on Nathan Bastian. The part no one expected was the 10-player all-out battle that ensued.
By the end of the game, Lempe continued to taunt the sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden with hand gestures that indicated he was ready to come back for more. He skated onto the ice bleeding from the mouth as referees gathered to decide his fate. Gloves and gear belonging to each player were scattered on the ice.
Curtis McDiarmid #23 of the New Jersey Devils and Matt Lempe #73 of the New York Rangers face off in the first period at Madison Square Garden on April 3, 2024 in New York City.Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Matt Lempe, No. 73 of the New York Rangers, hits the ice after a first period battle with Curtis McDiarmid, No. 23 of the New Jersey Devils, on April 3, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Leave.Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Officials deemed the fight between Vessy and Lazare to have broken out first and allowed it to continue without further penalties.(Related article: NHL legend scolds softening culture, praises scrap-happy rookies)
The remaining four players on each team received game misconduct. All 10 players received five-minute fighting penalties, and both benches looked visibly wide when the penalties were awarded.
The Rangers finished the game with a 4-3 victory.
