WATCH: Trevor van Riemsdyk willing to take on multiple Rangers at once after heated 2nd period

Trevor Van Riemsdyk vs Matt Rempe is generating buzz. Tensions flared on Sunday in a fiery exchange at the beginning of the second period in the first game of the playoff series between the New York Rangers and the Washington Capitals.

Defenseman Van Riemsdyk found himself in the midst of a heated confrontation with the entire Rangers team. As both teams made their way to the locker room, Van Riemsdyk initiated a war of words with Rangers forward Will Cuylle.

What ensued was a scene straight out of a hockey drama. Trevor Van Riemsdyk quickly found himself surrounded by a sea of blue jerseys, including Chris Kreider, who delivered a decisive shove.

Matt Rempe escalated the situation by putting Trevor Van Riemsdyk in a headlock, triggering further pushing and shoving among the players. Here's the video:

The referees were forced to intervene, attempting to diffuse the tension before things got out of hand. What may have played into it was the lackluster showing and frustration built during the second period for the Caps. The Rangers built a 3-1 lead in the second period, which eventually proved decisive.

The Rangers would add to their lead in the third period, leading to a 4-1 win and a one-game lead over the Capitals. The moment between Trevor Van Riemsdyk and the Rangers could set the stage for animosity throughout the first-round playoff series

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Artemi Panarin on pressure mounting on Rangers ahead of matchup with Trevor Van Riemsdyk's Washington Capitals

The New York Rangers are coming off a fantastic regular season, but Artemi Panarin can already feel the heat of the impending playoffs.

The 32-year-old recently spoke about the weight of expectations riding on their shoulders as they gear up for a deep Stanley Cup playoffs run. In fact, "Breadman" has his eyes on the ultimate prize.

The Rangers ended the 2023-24 regular season with an outstanding 55-23-4 record, securing the Presidents' Trophy. While the Blue Shirts may have won their first regular-season crown since 2015, the mounting pressure to bring home the Stanley Cup is ever present, perhaps now more than ever.

Last year's disappointing playoff exit still lingers in Panarin's mind. Despite the player’s outstanding regular-season stats, critics have questioned his ability to perform when it matters most. Panarin, though, remains focused on his goal: helping the Rangers win the Stanley Cup.

"I feel pressure for the team. I feel it for the Rangers. We have to win the Stanley Cup. That’s not just my personal pressure," Artemi Panarin said while speaking to lohud.com

Panarin and Co. are serious contenders this season and will look to end their three-decade championship drought with a collective team effort.