NEWARK, N.J. - The Flyers and Devils weren't exactly spreading the holiday cheer in the first of five meetings between the Metropolitan Division foes.
Thursday evening at the Prudential Center turned into Fight Night - and quickly.
The final six minutes of the first period saw tussles, punches, scrums and penalties.
It was sparked by Brandon Manning's hit on Sergey Kalinin. Seconds later, all-out fisticuffs unfolded at center ice. And that was just the beginning.
Dale Weise fought Seth Helgeson.
Nick Cousins fought Michael Cammalleri.
Philadelphia Flyers
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Roughing penalties were dolled out to Wayne Simmonds, Radko Gudas (twice), Manning and Cousins. For the Devils, three roughing charges: Vernon Fiddler (twice) and Luke Gazdic.
Oh, and Claude Giroux was whistled for unsportsmanlike conduct, as was Damon Severson.
In total, the first period concluded with 46 penalty minutes and a 2-0 deficit for the Flyers.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays, right?
For the video of the wild first period, watch above.
