Canadiens Hockey

A Rangers fan strangled a Devils fan in the stands
Manuel Sperandio-Lemay
A Rangers fan strangled a Devils fan in the stands

The playoffs can be very intense at times, and for the most part.

Staff and players alike pour their hearts and souls into achieving their childhood dream of winning the Stanley Cup.

Some players can go too far under fire, as demonstrated by the suspensions and scrimmages of this first round of the playoffs.

Unfortunately, it's not just the players and coaches who lose it at these crucial moments.

In Game 5 of the Rangers-Devils series, a New York fan clearly resented his team's defeat when he attacked a New Jersey Devils fan.

After an intense verbal exchange, the Devils fan spilled the other's beer, triggering a dark thought in the Rangers fan.

He attacked the poor fan's neck and strangled him until he lost consciousness.

See the shocking scene right here.

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The Devils fan lost the card and fell to the ground, spilling his beer all over himself in the process.

A scene that could well have turned into a nightmare, had he fallen down the steps. Serious injuries could have resulted.

Even if the Devils fan's provocation wasn't a good idea, the fact remains that strangulation can be fatal.

There was definitely a lack of judgment on one side, even if he was simply defending himself.

All this will set the table for both teams heading into Game 6 of the series, when Akira Schmid and the Devils attempt to eliminate the Rangers.

Schmid has been exceptional in three playoff games. He allowed just two goals and recorded a shutout in all 3 games. He also maintained a 97.6% save percentage.

The 22-year-old Swiss goaltender will have the opportunity to enter the Devils' record books as he aims for a fourth consecutive playoff win. If he succeeds, he will become only the second goaltender in franchise history to do so, joining none other than Martin Brodeur.

On the Rangers side, power forward Chris Kreider could also join a legend in league history.

If Kreider scores a goal, he would join the mark previously set by Mark Messier for most goals when facing elimination.

One thing's for sure: it's going to be a very interesting game.


Breaking news

– Canada bowed out of the World Under-18 Championship with a crushing 7-2 loss to Sweden.

– The other semi-final, pitting the St-Hyacinthe Gaulois against the Saskatoon Blazers, takes place tonight at 6:30 pm. Caleb Desnoyers headlines this tournament.

– Lots of action taking place tonight and tomorrow. Stay tuned.

– Anze Kopitar could be part of a select group.

– For international basketball fans, several details have emerged about the World Cup.

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