The New York Rangers didn't waste any time getting retribution against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday.

The teams squared off in a trio of fights to begin the game in response to Tom Wilson punching Pavel Buchnevich in the back of the head and injuring star winger Artemi Panarin in Monday's meeting.

Just moments later, Wilson, who escaped with just a $5,000 fine for his role in Monday's skirmish, answered the bell against New York rearguard Brendan Smith.

Following that bout, another fight ensued between Rangers blue-liner Anthony Bitetto and Capitals forward Michael Raffl.

Even some of the more skilled players got in on the action, with Ryan Strome and Lars Eller squaring off in an unlikely bout.

The sides combined for six fights and 72 penalty minutes just over four minutes into the heated affair.

New York released a pointed statement Tuesday calling for George Paros, head of the NHL Department of Player Safety, to be removed from his position for failing to suspend Wilson.

The Rangers surprisingly fired team president John Davidson and general manager Jeff Gorton on Wednesday, saying the club needed "a change in leadership" to "succeed in the manner our fans deserve."

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