Rangers and Devils' game erupts into unprecedented brawl from the start

Hockey fans are well aware that fights between players from opposing teams are common in the American NHL. However, what unfolded on Wednesday at the game between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils was beyond the ordinary.

Right after the game kicked off, the players threw aside their sticks and clashed, with the fans in the arena witnessing five simultaneous duels. The most prolonged fight was between Matt Rempe of the New York Rangers and Kurtis MacDermid from the New Jersey team, who traded punches in the middle of the rink for about a minute.

NHL rules forbid initiating fights while an existing bout between two players progresses. Violations can lead to players being excluded from the game for unsportsmanlike behaviour. This rule occurred during the altercation, sending eight players off the rink.

Matthew Rempe, Jacob Trouba, K'Andre Miller, and Barclay Goodrow from the New York Rangers, as well as Kevin Bahl, John Marino, Chris Tierney, and Kurtis MacDermid from the New Jersey Devils, were expelled. Referees stated that Jimmy Vesey and Curtis Lazar were the first to start exchanging punches, so this pair was not penalized.

According to American media, this massive brawl stems from an incident in the previous game between these teams on 11 March. "Associated Press" reported that Matthew Rempe instigated the altercation. The fiery 22-year-old initially refused to fight MacDermid and, during the game, elbowed New Jersey Devils player Jonas Siegenthaler, knocking him out. For this violent act, he was suspended for four games.

Despite the chaos at the onset, the match was completed. Following an intense game, the New York team emerged victorious with a score of 5:4. The video showcasing the hockey players' brawl went viral, shared by several prominent profiles on social media, and has been viewed tens of millions of times.