Whoever gets the East's second wild-card spot and third place in the Metropolitan Division is still anyone's guess. Matt Rempe and Kurtis MacDermid [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA1NTAzMTczMzU0NTI5OTk3/usatsi_22937155.jpg] Matt Rempe and Kurtis MacDermid It is always a treat when the New York Rangers and New Jersey face off against each other. These Metropolitan Division clubs are known for having a deep rivalry, but Wednesday's tilt took it to another level. Immediately after the puck dropped, the Rangers and Devils got into a heated line brawl. It started with an expected bout between Matt Rempe and Kurtis MacDermind, but it escalated quickly, as every skater on the ice found a fighting partner [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/game-day/matt-rempe-and-kurtis-macdermid-rangers-and-devils-brawl-two-seconds-into-first-period]. Following the brawl, Rempe, K'Andre Miller, Barclay Goodrow and Jacob Trouba were tossed for the Rangers. Meanwhile, MacDermid, Chris Tierney, John Marino and Kevin Bahl were ejected from the Devils. A big-time brawl like this does not happen too often in the NHL anymore, and it naturally created plenty of chatter among hockey fans. TNT also showed fans what their panel was doing during the brawl, and without much surprise, they loved it. Rangers legend Henrik Lundqvist notably clapped in response to Rempe and MacDermid going at it. These are the kind of hockey moments that will always generate buzz among fans and debates about fighting's place in the game. That said, it's a shame that the Devils will likely miss the playoffs this year, as a series between them and the Blueshirts after this would have been amazing. Following the craziness of this brawl, the Rangers got the last laugh, defeating the Devils by a 4-3 final score [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/game-day/new-york-rangers-fight-past-new-jersey-devils-4-3-after-early-fists-fly-matt-rempe]. With this, they also swept the season series.
