The New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers are separated by a river … of blood!

No, actually, it's the Hudson. But what a way to start their nationally televised rivalry game on Monday night than with a brawl off the opening faceoff. The Devils, the visiting team, wanted to send a message by putting out their toughest (and least played) line right off the start. The Rangers countered with two of their toughest forwards and a defenseman who moved up to take the opening draw. Six players agreed to fight to set the tone, and away we went:

At three seconds of the first period, Cam Janssen, Eric Boulton and Ryan Carter of the Devils were given five for fighting while Bryce Salvador was given a 10-minute misconduct. Salvador's misconduct came when he interjected in the Carter/Bickel fight when Carter was cut and bleeding on the ice. Both players suffered some battle damage in their fight.

For the Rangers, Mike Rupp, Stu Bickel and Brandon Prust were given five for fighting. And yes, with the personnel deployed by both teams, the fact there was a brawl is the least surprising development in the NHL of the evening.

The Rangers defeated the Devils, 4-2.

This is the third time the teams fought early and often this season. On Dec. 20, 2011, they had two fights in the first 1:47. Back in February, they had two fights in the first two seconds of their game.

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