Rangers Lose Brawl

The New York Rangers and the Columbus Blue Jackets engaged in a war last night. The Jackets emerged victorious thanks largely to youngs stars such as Alexei Ponikarovsky, Mathew Spiller, and Brooks Orpik who were possessed what could only be described as blood lust. The three youngsters reacted violently to an agressive Blue Jackets team and cost their own team the game in the process.

It all began when young super thug Matt Grenier took a run at Ranger captain J.P. Dumont. Mathew Spiller responded by challenging Grenier to a duel. The fight was even but the event sparked a series of violent events that created a rivalary that may be one to watch. Spiller was later ejected, as were Ponikarovsky, and Orpik for the Rangers.

On the Jackets side of the equation there were plenty of questionable hits and stickwork as well. Roman Lyashenko seemed to have his brain knocked loose in an early fight loss to Dan Lacouture and ran around the ice like an unhinged maniac for most of the game. He later won a decision over Orpik but was ejected from the game. Josef Melicher was also ejected from the game for the Jackets.

When the smoke cleared it broke down like this:

Matthew Spiller and Martin Grenier fight to a draw
Josef Melicher ejected at 07:42 of the 1st Period
Dan LaCouture beats up Roman Lyashenko
Brooks Orpik and Jay Harrison fight to a draw
Matthew Spiller ejected at 00:12 of the 2nd Period
Brooks Orpik and Roman Lyashenko fight to a draw
Brooks Orpik ejected at 05:34 of the 2nd Period
Roman Lyashenko ejected at 05:34 of the 2nd Period
Martin Hohener injured at 15:24 of the 3rd Period
Alexei Ponikarovsky ejected at 15:24 of the 3rd Period

"We're not happy with our teams hot headed play," fumed GM David Burns. " That game was winnable but when you're 2 men down it's difficult to stay with any team."