Ever since Matt Rempe wrestled Matt Martin to a draw before 80,000 people in that never-to-be-forgotten outdoor game at the Giants' football field, The Skating Giraffe
has reigned among Rangers fans as "The People's Choice." (TPC)
Mind you, being "The People's Choice" has its limits, and I don't mean the Westchester County Line nor South Jersey.
I'm talking about the hockey hinterlands of Canada where Rangerville is regarded by some as a strange place with even stranger hockey players such as Sir Rempe.
Matter of fact, I know one particular Ontario individual who, if he had the power, would banish Monstrous Matt to the KHL or some beer league in Lower Slobbovia.
That particular Ken Campbell is a distinguished Hockey News columnist whose work is taken
seriously by The Maven 'cause Campbell is good. He is as they say; and don't ask who the "They" is – one who sees the NHL clearly and sees it whole.
Here's what Campbell has said on two different occasions about Chris Drury's darling boy of 6-8, 250 pounds.
How The Rangers Compare To The Islanders And Devils
It's that time, folks; otherwise known as "Ask The Maven Day." This week's question comes from Bruce Gost of Flushing. Take it way Bruce:
OCCASION ONE: "The fact that Matt Rempe holds down a roster spot in the best league in the world is an embarrassment to the game." (Ken Campbell.)
As we all know, Rempe has been suspended, has spent time in Hartford and has returned to the NHL where he almost looked like he belonged. (Some say he's even here to stay; and The Maven is one of them.)
OCCASION TWO: "I have no time for one-dimensional enforcers in hockey. I have no time for Matt Rempe." (Ken Campbell.)
Does Rangers' boss Chris Drury care? Nay. Does Mike Sullivan care? Nay times ten to the radical-50.
Do the fans say, "You're My Everything?" For sure.
The Remper will romp in 2025-26 alongside that other large man wearing the Blueshirt, Adam Edstrom, as well as Sam Carrick. Call them "The Destroyers," if you will. (And even if you won't!)
"If they play their cards right and play hard-hitting, Florida Panthers-type hockey," says The Old Scout. "Rempe's line could be a difference-maker. Let's not forget that (Cats' coach) Paul Maurice says his fourth line helped Florida win two Cups."
Rest assured, Edstrom and Carrick will stick to business. By now, "People's Choice"
Rempe should "get it" and also play smart, in-your-face – but clean – hockey. (Really,
it's very easy Matt, just read the Rule Book.)
Do that, Friend Skyscraper, and you won't hear from Ken Campbell again! But you sure will get kudos from The Maven!