The New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils have been fierce rivals for some time now. With Matt Rempe in the lineup, GM Tom Fitzgerald decided to stock on up on weapons, which could even the playing field between the two teams during the offseason.
This was of course, after the Rangers and Rempe outplayed and outclassed the Devils 17-8, and Rempe caused chaos, by laying hits where he could.
Rempe’s Chaos
Rempe would lay out Nathan Bastian during his first call up in February 22, 2024, and he would again, be hit by Jacob Trouba causing him to fight Trouba. Eventually, this led to an upper-body injury leading to an early end to Bastian’s season. This of course is a physical edge that dates back to 2023, which the Devils have no answer for.
Jonas Siegenthaler would attempt to stand up for his teammates but failed to defeat Rempe. They would add Kurtis MacDermid, who wouldn’t meet Rempe on the field just yet, even after his five-minute penalty and a game misconduct after elbowing Siegenthaler.
MacDermid would attempt to see Rempe answer the bell, but not before referees broke up the confrontation.
Line Brawl
on April 3rd, 2024 the Rangers and Devils would collide head-to-head as 4th lines would end up in a line brawl, resembling the tension not felt since 2012. Curtis Lazar, Chris Tierney, Kevin Bahl, and John Marino would match up with K’Andre Miller, Jacob Trouba, Jimmy Vesey, and Barclay Goodrow. Tensions would flare, as the Devils were tired of being thrown around by a bigger team.
This is why this offseason, the Devils loaded up on grit, adding Brett Pesce, Brandon Dillon, Tomas Tatar, Paul Cotter, and Stefan Noesen to add size and sandpaper much needed to the lineup.
Before that, they made sure to re-sign Kurtis MacDermid, they need players who bring a rugged game, to a rivalry that has hit a boiling point.
We expect violence between the two teams, and it will be a powder keg this season.
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