Rangers-Devils Brawl Mars Game, Suspensions Handed Out

Officials investigate line brawl that marred preseason game

NHL taking action following on-ice altercation

A line brawl that erupted during a preseason game between the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils on Saturday night has resulted in multiple suspensions and an ongoing investigation by the NHL's Department of Player Safety.

The incident occurred late in the third period with the Rangers holding a 4-2 lead. Devils forward Andreas Johnsson delivered a hit on Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba, sparking a melee that involved all 10 players on the ice at the time.

Several players threw punches and exchanged blows before the officials intervened. Both teams were assessed a total of 40 penalty minutes, including 10-minute game misconducts for Johnsson and Trouba.

The NHL announced on Sunday that it had suspended Johnsson for five games and Trouba for three games for their roles in the brawl. The league also issued a warning to both teams for their failure to control their players.

The NHL's Department of Player Safety is continuing its investigation into the incident and could issue additional suspensions or fines in the coming days.

What caused the brawl?

The exact cause of the brawl is still under investigation, but it appears to have stemmed from a hit that Johnsson delivered on Trouba.

Trouba is one of the Rangers' top defensemen and is known for his physical play. Johnsson is a smaller forward who has a reputation for being a pest.

It's possible that Johnsson's hit was retaliation for a previous hit that Trouba delivered on him. It's also possible that the two players simply had some bad blood between them and the hit was just the spark that ignited the brawl.

What are the consequences of the brawl?

The brawl has already resulted in suspensions for Johnsson and Trouba. The NHL could also issue additional suspensions or fines in the coming days.

The brawl could also have a negative impact on the Rangers and Devils. Both teams are trying to build momentum heading into the regular season, and the brawl could derail their progress.

The brawl could also damage the reputation of the NHL. The league has been trying to crack down on fighting in recent years, and the brawl could be seen as a step backward.