Stan Fischler US Hall Of Fame MSG "REM-PE, REM-PE, REM-PE" No, the roars of approval are not for Remington Polytechnic University's varsity badminton team. They are, in fact, for a steeple-like fourth-line forward whose projected goal total for an 82-game season would generously be eight red lights. But do you know what? It really doesn't matter because the affectionate "disease" known as Rempe Fever is spreading so fast through Rangerville that the MSG Medicine Man, Chris Drury, should do absolutely nothing to curb the enthusiasm. The Maven says that Drury must ensure that Rempe is in the starting lineup on Saturday, right after Trade Deadline Day. When Matt Rempe skates out on to The Garden pond he doesn't even have to blink two eyelashes. All it takes is about six strides, and suddenly, from the rooftop down to the most expensive pews comes that roar: "REM-PE, REM-PE, REM-PE!" Pray tell, what's the fuss all about? For starters, this skating Telegraph Pole from Calgary has what is known in show business as "it." Or, otherwise defined as charisma or, if you will, star quality -- without even having become a star. What Man Mountain Matthew -- he measures six-foot-eight-and-a-half -- has is a blend of good looks, super-motivation, and an innate desire to turn naughty opponents into human flapjacks. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA0ODIxOTU0MjI4NjU5NTQ2/usatsi_22646764.jpg] Mind you, he's not the first Ranger to come up with this idea. Ching Johnson did it for the Original 1927-28 Cup-winning Rangers. Babe Pratt did it for the 1939-40 Cup-winners, and then there was Mark Messier in 1993-94. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA0ODIyMDk3MDM2Mzg3OTM0/usatsi_12894256.jpg] But there was a big difference: Ching, Babe, and Mark are in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Super-Lad Matt, is in the Rempe Hall of Fame and -- as thousands cheer -- the hearts of Blueshirts fans like you wouldn't believe. Despite the 4-2 loss to Florida last night, Rempe was rampaging, although Sir Coach Laviolette was ga-ga not over a penalty called against his tower of strength. The call against Rempe was "tripping" although it should be said that contact was more accidental than intentional. On the clean side, he checked well and refused to fight any Panther because -- in a playoff-type game like that -- it didn't make sense. (The Mave says: "Smart, Matt, Smart.") Speaking of penalties, the one that drove just about everyone -- short of the cotton candy vendors -- nuts was the no call when Jonny Brodzinski had goal on his mind before that nasty man, Kevin Stenlund, hooked our guy in full flight. Alas, we are still waiting for that hook job to be called; knowing, of course, that it never will. Nevertheless, there still was joy in Rangerville, and -- I'm sure -- you know the answer already. "REMPE-REMPE-REMPE!" One more translation: "Chris Drury, don't you dare trade Matt, demote him to Hartford, or any other foolish move against the People's Choice. Make him a fourth-liner for about four years! "REMPE! REMPE! REMPE!" TOP STORIES
