Game Changer: Matt Rempe brings something special to the New York Rangers
What is the New York Rangers’ identity? Does it shift when Matt Rempe is in the lineup versus when he’s not?
Rempe adds a unique swagger to the Rangers. It may be a coincidence that the team is 21-3-1 with him and (now 7-1 in the playoffs), but it’s worth noting they are 2-2 without him. Eventually, people will realize that as long as the team keeps winning, it doesn’t matter how much ice time No. 73 gets.
“They have a lot of guys who like to play on the edge; I think if I can get an opportunity, I can help with that,” Rempe said.
The 6-foot-8 winger logged 10:06 of ice time in the 2-1 Game 2 victory and led with nine hits.
“That was so much fun. I got to play more minutes. I was having the time of my life out there,” Rempe said. “I thought I was moving my feet well, getting in on the forecheck, making lots of hits – playing really physical and mean. I had so much fun and I’m so happy we got the win. That was the best.”
Rempe wasn’t the sole reason the Rangers won, but his impact is undeniable right now.
“I thought he had a real impact, especially early on in the first period,” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said. “He was effective on the forecheck – putting it behind them, putting it in the other team’s zone, and staying down there.”
TROCHECK OPENS THE SCORING AND THEN CHAOS ENSUES 😱 pic.twitter.com/uuB3GahIkT
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 25, 2024
Hockey can be unpredictable. In Game 1, the Rangers had plenty of high-quality chances but couldn’t establish much on the forecheck. On Friday, the Rangers had a more complete effort with better energy.
Whether you believe in it or not, the Rempe effect is real. Laviolette can utilize it whenever he deems necessary. The Ranger fan base has mixed feelings about Rempe playing, but sometimes you need a spark. Kaapo Kakko’s impact on the Rangers is different from Rempe’s – and vice versa. Nobody expects Kakko to throw his weight around on the forecheck, just as there isn’t an expectation for Rempe to be as defensively responsible and possess the puck below the goal line.
Everything can change from game to game. On Friday, the Rangers needed something only a player like Rempe could bring. Game 2 showed that Rempe’s energy is contagious, and sometimes, that’s just what you need.
The attitude shifts when No. 73 is in the lineup. It’s time for everyone to recognize that. Matt Rempe has become a significant part of the Rangers’ identity, and when legends like Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Henrik Lundqvist acknowledge his impact, it shouldn’t be taken lightly.
“The fans here are by far the best. Unbelievable. I don’t want to let them down, I love them so much. No matter what – they’re chanting,” Rempe said. “I got to go out there, I want to make them proud. I want to go out there and do something. Do something with the shift. How can you not have energy when they’re chanting that? It’s awesome. Unbelievable.”