LATEST: Matt Rempe Delivers First Punch to Capitals
In the opening playoff matchup between the New York Rangers and the Washington Capitals, a rookie player made a notable impact against a seasoned veteran.
In a 4-1 victory for the Rangers in Game 1 of their first-round series on April 21, Matt Rempe, a rookie, scored the opening goal for the hosts. Interestingly, Rempe’s goal came shortly after he was penalized for a hit during his first shift of the game.
When asked about his performance and whether his mother’s attendance at Madison Square Garden for the first time added to his motivation, Rempe confidently responded to reporters, saying, “I’ve always got juice.”
After more than 24 minutes of scoreless hockey, Rempe, known for his physical presence on the ice, broke the deadlock by redirecting a pass from teammate Jimmy Vesey from behind the Capitals’ net. This marked Rempe’s second goal of the season and his first in the playoffs, as he made his postseason debut in Game 1.
Matt Rempe on scoring his career first Playoff goal in front of his Mom at The Garden in her first trip ever to NYC. Matt & Mom had a hard time getting reservations in Manhattan on a Saturday night… 😂@NYRangers | @michellegingras | #NYR pic.twitter.com/aCjLbWNagn
— x – Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) April 21, 2024
In addition to his crucial goal, Rempe contributed two shots on goal, earned a plus-2 rating, served two minutes in the penalty box, and logged 8:33 of ice time, all contributing to the Rangers’ victory.
Rangers’ Matt Rempe Got the Best of Tom Wilson & Washington
Before Game 1, Rempe expressed admiration for Capitals’ veteran Tom Wilson, revealing that he used to watch highlights of Wilson’s physical play to get fired up when he was still an amateur player.
In response, Wilson acknowledged Rempe’s comments as he prepared for the first-round matchup against the Rangers. However, despite Wilson’s experience, he was unable to thwart the efforts of his younger counterpart on Sunday.
THE REMPIRE STATE BUILDING GETS MSG ON ITS FEET! 💪 #StanleyCup
🇺🇸: @espn ➡️ https://t.co/Pp9X7OGP3W
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/sEijvXhbA1 pic.twitter.com/AhNfu7w5E3— NHL (@NHL) April 21, 2024
Rempe’s goal proved to be a catalyst for the Rangers, who capitalized on the momentum by scoring two more goals in a span of just 2 minutes and 6 seconds. This surge gave New York a commanding 3-goal lead that the Capitals could not overcome.
Following the game, Rempe reflected on his performance, emphasizing his confidence in his style of play and his readiness for playoff hockey. He highlighted his ability to skate well, play physical, and thrive in the postseason environment.
Rempe’s contribution to the Rangers’ Game 1 victory showcased his effectiveness as a hard-working and relentless player, qualities that he believes make him well-suited for playoff hockey.
Rangers’ Coach Peter Laviolette, Teammates Praise Matt Rempe
Rempe’s postseason debut didn’t go smoothly, but it unfolded in a manner consistent with expectations. Right from the start, Rempe displayed his aggressive style of play by colliding with Capitals’ left winger Beck Malenstyn just 34 seconds into his first shift.
The referees promptly penalized Rempe, sending him to the penalty box for a couple of minutes, much to his disbelief. However, the Rangers’ penalty-kill unit successfully thwarted the Capitals’ offense and maintained a clean scoreboard until Rempe returned to the ice.
Matt Rempe takes a charging penalty on his first playoff shift#NYR pic.twitter.com/m77dgNNcaR
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) April 21, 2024
Despite the early penalty, Rempe made a significant impact during five-on-five play, with New York controlling 76.44 percent of the expected goals, according to data from Natural Stat Trick. This indicates his effectiveness in influencing the game positively despite the early setback.
“Vesey remarked to the press post-game that whenever Rempe plays, he makes a difference,” highlighting Rempe’s influence on the Rangers’ performance. Following Game 1, Rangers’ head coach Peter Laviolette also praised Rempe, noting his positive impact. Laviolette’s accolades come amidst his own historic achievement, becoming the sole coach in NHL history to guide six teams to the Stanley Cup playoffs, as reported by the Associated Press.
"Any game he's in the lineup, he's had an effect"
Jimmy Vesey on what Matt Rempe brought to the Rangers' Game 1 win: pic.twitter.com/AJMqsTMcyz
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 21, 2024
“After the victory, Laviolette expressed his admiration for Rempe’s impact, stating, ‘I can’t recall a player who has made such a profound impact on a team, its fans, and a city like Rempe has.’ Laviolette noted Rempe’s infectious joy, evident in his constant smile and evident love for the game and the team, which has greatly contributed to their success.”
“Rempe has often grabbed attention for his involvement in non-productive actions like fighting, instigating brawls, and receiving suspensions, rather than for his contributions to scoring.
"I can't think of a player that's come in and had that impact on a team, on a fanbase, on a city"
– Peter Laviolette on Matt Rempe pic.twitter.com/r3R0PGZmci
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 21, 2024
However, this narrative shifted on Sunday. ‘I have confidence in myself, and I’m committed to continuing my efforts,’ Rempe stated. ‘I see this as just the beginning.'”