there was some history between the teams and in particular Rangers player Matt Rempe
- Back in February, he had a dirty hit against a Devils player and was ejected from the game
- next game against the devils, he again had a dirty hit (elbow to the head) and was again ejected. While leaving the ice he mocked the devils tough guy (MacDermid). The league then suspended him for 5 games (i think?)
last night was the first time he has played the devils since and the coaches put Rempe and Macdemid in the starting lineup so i think everyone knew it was coming.
Came here pretty much just to post this. Solid run down of situation Tron.
Rempe has been trying to earn a reputation as a fighter it appears. He has been in quite a few already. He has also injured a few players already. I can not fault Rempe too much because this is how he would stick to an NHL roster and the difference in pay is substantial. However his antics are starting to wear on the league.
FWIW after Rempe injured a Devils player in his first game against him, the Devils traded for MacDermid. Dermy is known as one of the very best fighters in the NHL. Not as much of a need for enforcers anymore but are nice to have a around when a player is starting to take liberties with your star players. These players are moving at times over 20mph with full pads on. Imagine stepping in front of Noah Lyles when he is at top speed.
When I was a kid, I saw the Boston Bruins play the Hartford Whalers. Boston scored 4 goals in the first period and thoroughly pissed of Hartford by continuing to run of the score (would go on to win 10-1). There were four fights with the last one being a bench clearing all out brawl. It was epic. And only the goalie and one or two other players wore helmets.
Hockery aficionados, can you explain this to me? Did they just agree to do this before the match? Did the fans know there would be fight when they walked in?
I mean no one went for the puck and the announcers didn't seem surprised.
Hockery aficionados, can you explain this to me? Did they just agree to do this before the match? Did the fans know there would be fight when they walked in?
I mean no one went for the puck and the announcers didn't seem surprised.