BREAKING NEWS: Rangers Choose Matt Rempe Over 3 Other Forwards

Another day brings another game and another chance for the New York Rangers to secure their spot in the Eastern Conference finals, provided they can finally overcome the Carolina Hurricanes.

Based on recent performances, however, this won’t be an easy task. The Rangers initially surged ahead, winning three straight games to start the series, but then lost two consecutive games, entering Game 6 on May 16 with a narrow 3-2 series lead over the Hurricanes.

On a positive note, Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette will have the full roster available for Game 6. This includes key players Matt Rempe, Filip Chytil, Jonny Brodzinski, and Blake Wheeler, though Wheeler may not yet be at peak fitness. Laviolette confirmed after practice on May 15 that everyone who practiced (excluding Chris Kreider, who was absent for maintenance reasons) is eligible to play.

Asked if Chytil is an option for Game 6, Laviolette said everyone who practiced today is a full go and in consideration. How they’re feeling physically is a factor, but it’s a coach’s decision.#NYR have curiously not made Chytil available for comment.

— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) May 15, 2024

“Everyone who practiced today is a full go and in consideration,” Laviolette said, according to USA Today’s Vince Mercogliano. “How they’re feeling physically is a factor, but it’s a coach’s decision,” Mercogliano reported on May 15, following the Rangers’ practice ahead of Game 6.

Is Blake Wheeler Still Days Away From Returning?

Wheeler resumed full-contact practice with his teammates midway through the second-round series against Carolina. However, it may still be too soon for him to participate in an actual game, especially in the playoffs.

“We’re working to get him up to speed, and that’s his current status,” Laviolette said to reporters on May 14, according to Ethan Sears of the New York Post. “He’s fully participating in practice, but as you’ve seen, he’s only recently reached this point, so we want to ensure he’s set up for success.”

Given Laviolette’s comments after Game 5, it’s likely Wheeler won’t play in Game 6, suggesting that Chytil, Rempe, or Brodzinski might step in instead.

Many Rangers Forwards for 1 Single Spot in the Lineup

With Chris Kreider anticipated to be available on Thursday after missing Wednesday’s practice for maintenance reasons, the Rangers coach will need to choose one player for the 12th and final forward spot in the Game 6 lineup.

#NYR lines at practice:

Wheeler-Zibanejad-Roslovic
Vesey-Goodrow-Brodzinski
Panarin-Trocheck-Lafrenière
Cuylle-Wennberg-Kakko

Wheeler placeholder for Kreider probably a good sign Kreider is fine for tomorrow

— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) May 15, 2024

The four contenders are Rempe, Chytil, Brodzinski, and Wheeler. If the Rangers staff and coaches determine that Wheeler, who hasn’t played since February 15 and has yet to make his postseason debut, isn’t fit enough, the decision narrows down to a choice among Rempe, Chytil, and Brodzinski.

Chytil might face a situation similar to Wheeler’s, as he missed Game 5 due to an “illness” not related to previous concussion symptoms.

If Chytil is unable to play on Thursday, May 16, Laviolette will have to decide between the veteran, skilled Jonny Brodzinski and the young, strong Matt Rempe for the final 12th spot. Regardless of who is chosen, they will likely play on the fourth line with Will Cuylle and Alex Wennberg.

Rangers’ Peter Laviolette Won’t Give Hurricanes Any Advantage

Laviolette praised all the candidates after practice on May 15, leaving his options open to avoid giving Carolina any hints about his final decision before Thursday night’s puck drop.

“When (Rempe) has been in the lineup, our team has found ways to win, and he’s had a good impact,” Laviolette said, via Mercogliano. “I think Jonny the same thing when he comes in. They’re totally different players. They bring different elements, and they’re both options for us in this series. I thought they both have done a good job, and we make decisions as we move game to game.”

Rempe played 6:01 in Game 5 on Monday, May 13, replacing Brodzinski. In Game 4, however, Brodzinski replaced both Rempe and Chytil, getting more third-period shifts (four) than Rempe had in three games (G1, G2, G5) combined (two).

All signs point toward Brodzinski getting the final 12th spot, especially with the Rangers playing on the road without the last-change advantage against the Hurricanes. However, the final Rangers lineup likely won’t be revealed until the pregame warmups for Thursday’s Game 6 in Raleigh.