Rangers play dirty: insane lineup change will lead to many fights against the Leafs

The New York Rangers are ready to go to battle tonight, and they have made some questionable lineup changes against the Leafs that could lead to fights.

Two of the NHL Original Six teams will square off this Saturday night, as the Toronto Maple Leafs will host the New York Rangers at Scotiabank Arena. Having each played four games in the season so far, the Rangers have the edge over the Leafs by one point. This early-season matchup is trending toward an exciting clash between two historic franchises competing for a successful season in 2024-25.

The Rangers enter this game with their heads held high after a fine campaign last year, clinching the Presidents' Trophy awarded for the best regular-season record. The Maple Leafs had massive changes in the off-season, hoping to finally break their long drought of not being in a position to win a Stanley Cup since 1967. Both of them are under immense pressure for delivery, and this early meeting might be some sort of a litmus test for them.

While fans are sure to focus most of their attention on stars such as Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Igor Shesterkin, and Artemi Panarin, many might shift their attention to two rugged fighters returning into the lineup in Ryan Reaves and Matt Rempe. The enforcers, who have spent most of this season on the sidelines, will take to the ice tonight and give added grit to this highly anticipated matchup.

It was back in March that the teams last met, which saw Reaves and Rempe in one of the most heated fights of the season. Since that scrap, Rempe has gone the extra mile in consulting with legendary NHL enforcer Georges Laraque, a move many hope will bring finesse into his game without taking uncalled-for penalties. Gone are the days when he was criticized for being scratched earlier in the season, as Rempe now faces pressure to prove he belongs in the lineup. You can watch the Rempe-Reaves battle below.

Ryan Reaves fights Matt Rempe

The Maple Leafs have depth in spades, with even Ryan Reaves a healthy scratch their last time out. Head coach Craig Berube wants consistency from Reaves now that he has the chance for redemption tonight. Both players will get a ton of opportunities to make their mark, and it should be an ultra-physical, hard-hitting affair between these two heavyweights. This game is one to watch!

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