Matt Rempe sat on the bench, preparing for the warm-ups, when he heard the chants. New York Rangers fans started chanting his name, just like the “Bleacher Creatures” do at Yankees games.
The 6-foot-8 rookie acknowledged the cheers as he headed down the tunnel. But during the game in Washington, every time he touched the puck, the Capitals fans booed him. They were upset about a hit he made in the previous game that injured defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk.
However, Rempe didn’t let it bother him. He enjoys playing the role of the villain when the Rangers are on the road. He knows that back at Madison Square Garden, he’ll be cheered on even more.
“I don’t mind it,” Rempe said. “In New York, they love it when I play hard. And if the opposing fans don’t like it, it means I’m playing tough.”
That’s exactly what the Rangers want from Rempe. He was called up in February to add some size and toughness to the team, which ended up finishing first in the NHL and winning the Presidents’ Trophy.
Next up, they’ll face the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round as they aim for their first Stanley Cup since 1994.
Rempe accidentally injured two players from the Washington Capitals during Game 3 of the first-round series. He collided with van Riemsdyk, which led to a penalty for interference. Then, he made a hit on Oshie that resulted in a broken right hand.
Afterward, Tom Wilson wanted to fight Rempe, but Rempe chose not to.
Wilson explained that sometimes, when a player repeatedly makes borderline hits on your teammates, you feel the need to defend them, regardless of whether it’s a playoff game or not.
Rempe’s first NHL game in February was against the New York Islanders at MetLife Stadium, where he fought Matt Martin. He fought four more times in the regular season. However, the coaching staff regularly discusses with him the balance between fighting and the risks associated with it, like penalties and injuries.
Coach Peter Laviolette praised Rempe for his effectiveness on the ice, both in his game and his physicality. He emphasized the importance of managing Rempe and ensuring that he understands his role on the team.
Rempe had an impressive debut in his first NHL playoff series, contributing with a goal, blocking shots, and delivering 18 hits across four games. He didn’t play much, averaging just under seven minutes per game, but he’s expected to be in the lineup for the series opener against Carolina.
His status might change depending on the team’s strategy or if Filip Chytil returns to play. But currently, the Rangers are pleased to have Rempe on the ice with them.
Captain Jacob Trouba described Rempe as a fun-loving player who brings energy and attitude to the team. Despite some criticism for his physical play, including a suspension for an illegal hit, Rempe has gained popularity among fans.
His hit on van Riemsdyk drew attention, with the defenseman acknowledging that he could have been more cautious.
Instead of checking social media after the game, Rempe spent time playing “Halo” with Chris Kreider and other teammates. He wasn’t happy with his performance in the video game, calling it “very bad.”
Rempe doesn’t pay much attention to what people say about him online, but he does think a lot about his own game. He analyzes each hit he makes to make sure he doesn’t cross the line and get penalties that hurt the Rangers.
“I have to be careful to keep everything tight,” Rempe said. “I need to avoid using my elbows and make sure I’m not sticking anything out when I’m going for a hit.”
Balancing between playing aggressively and being physical without going too far is something players like Wilson have mastered. Rempe is still learning how to do that as a professional player.
“I can make big hits, but I want them to be clean because then I’m helping the team,” Rempe said. “I’m going to keep learning and getting better at everything because there’s always something new to learn. It’s been fun, and I’m excited to keep improving.”
