The Hudson River Rivalry between the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils is more intense than ever this year. A 5-on-5 line brawl kicked off the beginning of a recent game, resulting in eight players being ejected. Rangers rookie enforcer Matt Rempe and Devils’ Kurtis MacDermid, who have a history of fighting, faced off once again. Rempe made his debut at the Stadium Series in February and has been involved in fights in each of his first two games against the Devils, including a suspension. The fights were expected as Rempe and MacDermid were both in the starting lineup for the game.
The level of intensity was evident from the moment the puck dropped, with fights breaking out almost immediately. Barclay Goodrow and Matt Rempe faced off against Kurtis MacDermid in a heavyweight battle that lasted well over a minute at center ice. Despite the heated exchanges, only Curtis Lazar and Jimmy Vesey avoided game misconducts from the line brawl. Shortly after, another fight erupted between Dawson Mercer and Will Cuylie. The rivalry between the two teams dates back to 2012 when they faced off in the Eastern Conference Final, with the Devils coming out on top in six games.
The New York Rangers, who have the most points in the league this year, are 3-0 against the New Jersey Devils. The Rangers took an early 1-0 lead in the recent game with a goal from Artemi Panarin. The Devils, on the other hand, are fighting for a playoff spot after a surprise run last year. The intensity of the rivalry is heightened by the competitive nature of both teams and the desire to come out on top in their matchups. The bad blood between the Rangers and Devils only adds to the excitement of their games, making them must-watch events for fans of both teams.
The history of fights between the two teams adds an element of tension to each game they play against each other. Matt Rempe’s reputation as a rookie enforcer who is not afraid to drop the gloves has made him a key player in these matchups. His willingness to fight has not only earned him a suspension but has also fueled the intensity of the rivalry. The physicality and aggression on display in these games highlight the competitive nature of the Hudson River Rivalry and keep fans on the edge of their seats.
As the Rangers and Devils continue to face off throughout the season, the intensity of the Hudson River Rivalry shows no signs of slowing down. The games between these two teams have become must-see events for hockey fans looking for high-stakes action and fierce competition. The animosity between the Rangers and Devils only adds to the excitement of their matchups, making each game a thrilling spectacle for both teams’ fans. The history of fights and heated exchanges between players from both sides only serves to fuel the fire of this intense rivalry, ensuring that the Hudson River Rivalry remains one of the most heated matchups in the NHL.
