Matt Rempe has been a healthy scratch for the Rangers through both Games 3 and 4 against the Hurricanes.
The story of forward Matt Rempe has been one that has entertained many throughout the NHL world.
Rempe lit the league on fire upon joining the New York Rangers around the mid-season point. It wasn’t because of his offensive skills however.
The 21-year-old used his size to his advantage as it seemed he was getting into a fight each and every night, which was just exhilarating to watch.
Over the years, fighting has become less and less common, so Rempe in a way showed the importance of what a true enforcer could provide.
Despite scoring New York’s opening goal to kick off this year’s playoffs, everything seemed to go downhill for Rempe.
In six playoff games this postseason, Rempe failed to record over ten minutes of ice time. In late game situations, the enforcer was nowhere to be found.
Rempe has been a healthy scratch in both Games 3 and 4 against the Carolina Hurricanes with Filip Chytil and Jonny Brodzinski taking his spot in the lineup.
Even with his recent benching, Rempe had only positive things to say about his coach Peter Laviolette.
“I can’t say enough good things about Lavi and how great he’s been to me,” Rempe said via the New York Post’s Mollie Walker. “The opportunities he’s given me and how much communication he’s had with me every single day. Like, I love him. I’d go to war for him every day. He’s the best. Conversations have been great, just telling me, ‘Don’t read into it. Don’t think too much and stuff like that, just keep working.’”
In the playoffs, lineup switches are very common, so this may not be the last we see of Rempe. He provides a spark and physical edge that could serve as useful down the road if the Rangers are to go on a deep playoff run.
It's a great sign to see Rempe not get discouraged by being a healthy scratch. He’s proven to be a high energy player and when the time is right, Laviolette can unleash this secret weapon that is Rempe.