In a game that was flared by tensions early, a rather unconventional spark was lit behind the New York Rangers, which ultimately catapulted them to a victory over the reigning Presidents’ Trophy winner, Tampa Bay Lightning. The Blueshirts were missing Mika Zibanejad and coming off a demoralizing loss to Boston on Sunday. With Henrik Lundqvist on the bench and Marc Staal a healthy scratch, the average age for the Blueshirts was 24, easily making this lineup the youngest in the NHL.
Not even two minutes into the game, both Patrick Maroon and Micheal Haley locked up, dropped their mitts, and started to fight.