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Rangers, Devils Engage in Line Brawl Moments After Puck Drop
All-Out Melee Leads to Eight Ejections Two Seconds Into Game
New York, NY
A melee broke out at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night as the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils squared off in a pre-season game. Just seconds after the opening faceoff, a full-on line brawl erupted, leading to the ejection of eight players.
The incident began with a clean hit by Rangers defenseman Libor Hajek on Devils forward Michael McLeod. McLeod responded by shoving Hajek, and the two players quickly exchanged blows. In a matter of seconds, the entire ice became a scene of chaos as players from both teams joined the fray.
A total of eight players were ejected from the game for their roles in the brawl, including Rangers' Brendan Smith, Dryden Hunt, and Jimmy Vesey, and Devils' Andreas Johnsson, Jesper Bratt, and Damon Severson. The New Jersey Devils ended up leaving the game with only 11 players on the active roster.
The line brawl was a clear violation of the NHL's rulebook, which prohibits players from engaging in fighting during games. As a result, the league is expected to take disciplinary action against the ejected players.
Highlights
- Line brawl erupted just seconds after puck drop.
- Eight players were ejected from the game.
- The melee was sparked by a hit by Rangers defenseman Libor Hajek on Devils forward Michael McLeod.
- The NHL is expected to take disciplinary action against the ejected players.
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