Going into Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final, should New York Rangers coach Peter Laviolette insert Blake Wheeler into the lineup to replace Matt Rempe? Stan Fischler On Rangers Cup Chances It is something that certainly has to be entertained going into this critical matchup. In Game 3, Rempe played a measly 4:02 minutes, which is the least amount of time he’s tallied through these playoffs. The 21-year-old took a careless roughing penalty in the first period, leading to a Panthers power play goal. After that, Laviolette put Rempe in the doghouse and the enforcer didn’t see many minutes for the remainder of the contest. Blake Wheeler suffered a gruesome leg injury back in February and he hasn’t played since, but the veteran forward has been participating in all practices and said he is available to play. While he hasn’t been prone to live game action for multiple months let alone in the playoffs, Wheeler may be a better option for the Rangers in Game 4 on Tuesday night. Wheeler provides more of an offensive spark that Rempe just doesn't while not being nearly as much of a risk to commit penalties. When playing at Madison Square Garden, Rempe is able to electrify the crowd with bone-crushing hits and physical style of play. However, on the road he just doesn't have that same impact and at times he can be a major liability on the ice at both ends. The Rangers will be playing in Florida tomorrow, so it would be wise for them to put in the more reliable Wheeler and maybe save Rempe for Game 5 in New York.
