Rangers Fan Who Knocked Out Lightning Fan Has Been Identified

The New York Rangers looked to have a comfortable walk into the Stanley Cup Finals after going up 2-0 in the series against the Lightning. But now as the two-time defending champs have found their second gear, the Rangers find themselves on the brink of elimination.

Following the gut-wrenching loss at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, it was clear that frustration boiled over for Rangers fans. And when a Lightning fan was still cheering as he was exiting the arena, a Rangers fan turned back and clocked the Tampa fan — effectively knocking him out cold.

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New York Rangers Fan Sucker Punches Tampa Bay Lightning Fan, Knocks Him Out Coldhttps://t.co/oMyJk2xdHk

— SideAction (@SideActionHQ) June 10, 2022

As the classless Rangers fan was going viral, fans were calling for assault charges along with other punishment.

Sure enough, the man has been identified as James Anastasio of Staten Island. He has since been charged with assault, and is banned for life from The Garden.

Per NBC New York:

“Anastasio faces two counts each of assault, disorderly conduct and harassment.

Both of the victims declined medical attention, police said.

Madison Square Garden condemned what it called the “abhorrent assault” and said Anastasio would be banned from all MSG Entertainment facilities for life.”

Luckily, the Lightning fan woke up and appears to be ok. And for James Anastasio, he’ll have to live with the repercussions of his stupidity for the rest of his life.

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