Rangers fan charged with assault of Lightning fan in aftermath of Game 5 loss at MSG

A New York Rangers fan has been charged with assault after knocking out a Lightning fan in the aftermath of Game 5 in Madison Square Garden.

The Rangers lost Game 5 — their third straight defeat in the series — and thus home-ice advantage as well. As frustrated as the home fans were leaving the arena, there was no need for violence, especially considering the Lightning fan in this scenario was minding his own business.

That didn’t stop one Rangers fan from Staten Island from knocking him to the floor. The video itself is graphic, but thankfully social media detectives helped identify the man and police has since made an arrest.

Police were able to find and arrest James Anastasio while he was still at Madison Square Garden. He was charged with assault.

Rangers face 3-2 deficit headed back to Tampa Bay

After holding a 2-0 advantage thanks to back-to-back wins on their home ice, the Rangers hit the road and looked like a different team in Tampa Bay. A heartbreaking Game 3 defeat was eventually a turning point in the series.

While the teams were tied after two periods of play, two third period goals by the Lightning offered a decisive enough advantage to put any comeback attempt in doubt.

However, this is the same New York hockey team that faced a 3-1 deficit against Pittsburgh. Can they find a similar result in the Eastern Conference Final?