Watch: Flyers-Rangers delivers fight-of-the-year contender

Philadelphia Flyers left winger Nicolas Deslauriers and New York Rangers center Matt Rempe fight in the first period. Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Flyers-Rangers rivalry game delivers epic fight-of-the-year contender

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 2/25/24

Fisticuffs are usually a given when longtime rivals like the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers tangle. And Saturday's matinee matchup in the "City of Brotherly Love" delivered with brawlers Matt Rempe and Nicolas Deslauriers providing fans with a strong fight-of-the-year contender only minutes after puck-drop.

Three minutes into the first period, Rempe and Deslauriers went toe-to-toe, rolling up their sleeves before colliding in an old-school donnybrook that fired up both benches and the crowd at the Wells Fargo Center.

REMPE AMD DESLAURIERS DROP THE GLOVES pic.twitter.com/8aJvbo57Zs
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 24, 2024

While it's tough to decide on a winner after such an epic brawl, we'll give the nod to the Rangers' 6-foot-7 rookie, who left veteran tough guy Deslauriers bloody after being egged on during warm-ups.

Rempe getting verbally challenged in warmup by Deslauriers (team witnessing) and then answering the bell in the 1st 5 mins vs a top 2 established @NHL veteran fighter gets him automatic credibility in that #NYR room. Guys know the ‘thinking’ that can go on in between that time.
— Aaron Ward (@NHL_AaronWard) February 24, 2024

Called up from the Hartford Wolfpack of the American Hockey League only a week ago to add a little toughness to the Rangers' lineup, Rempe has made an immediate impact, recording three fighting majors through four games.

While Rempe is quickly building a reputation for himself, Deslauriers' is already well-established. The 11-year vet posted his ninth major of the season, tied for the NHL lead.

For fans left wanting more, there's a high chance that Rempe and Deslauriers cross paths again. The Rangers and Flyers will meet twice more this season, both at Madison Square Garden, on March 26 and April 11.

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