Matt Rempe Continues to Make a Name for Himself

Matt Rempe has been electric in his first season with the Rangers. Rempe was called up from the Hartford Wolf Pack, New York’s AHL team, in mid-February. He had only 12 points in 43 games with the Wolf Pack, but where he lacked in scoring production he made up for in penalty minutes (96 PIM). He was called up to the show due to forward Blake Wheeler going down with a season-ending injury. 

First Few Weeks of Play

Rempe’s first contest came in a Winter Classic game in Metlife Stadium against the Islanders. He made his presence felt early on as he went at it with Matt Martin. The 21-year-old continued to wreak havoc two games later against the Devils where he obliterated Nathan Bastian along the boards resulting in a match penalty. Rempe’s accumulated 7 PIM that game in only 13 seconds of ice time. The Rangers took on the Flyers two days later and once again Rempe found himself in the penalty box after an all-time tussle with Nicolas Deslauriers. Later on in the game, Rempe got his name on the scoresheet in a different way. His big frame screened Samuel Ersson and the puck shot from the point would tip off his stick and find its way to the back of the net for his first career goal. After his first goal maybe Rempe would think he is more of a skill guy and tone it back with the physicality, right? Nope. In his next game, Bluejackets Mathieu Olivier gave the rookie a taste of his own medicine delivering big blows to the youngster. Little did we know all of these fights were building up to the most important one…Rempe v. Reaves. The Blue Shirts traveled to Toronto for an original six matchup and the place would be buzzing when these two squared off at center ice. Both heavyweights exchanged blows, but the fight ultimately ended in a stalemate. 

Stats 

Games Played	Goals	Assists	Points	Average Ice Time	Shots	PIM	Hits	+/-	Record
7	1	1	2	4:48	5	37	19	2	5-1-1

Fights 

Rempe v. Martin 

Tale of the Tape 

Rempe		Martin
21	Age	34
6’7	Height	6’3
240	Weight	210
7	Career Games	936
2	Career Points	171

My Judgment

Rempe wins by a slim margin. Not many big connections, but he controlled the majority of the fight. 

Rempe v. Deslauriers

Tale of the Tape 

Rempe		Deslauriers
21	Age	33
6’7	Height	6’1
240	Weight	230
7	Career Games	640
2	Career Points	100

My Judgment 

This may have been the best hockey fight I have ever seen. Haymakers were thrown left and right. I think Rempe connected on more significant punches, but Deslauriers did get the takedown so it can go either way. However, I will give it to the rookie for the sole purpose Deslauriers looked more beat up than Rempe. 

Rempe v. Olivier 

Tale of the Tape

Rempe		Olivier
21	Age	27
6’7	Height	6’1
240	Weight	220
7	Career Games	146
2	Career Points	28

My Judgment 

This has a clear winner and it is indeed Olivier. Rempe threw the first few punches, but that was all he was able to do once Olivier settled in. He started hitting him with the right and grabbing and jabbing with his left which resulted in a takedown. 

Rempe v. Reaves

Tale of the Tape

Rempe		Reaves
21	Age	37
6’7	Height	6’2
240	Weight	225
7	Career Games	861
2	Career Points	133

My Judgment

This was the fight everyone had been waiting for. One of the biggest fighters in the league versus the youngster trying to make a name for himself. Both players traded blows and Rempe did a good job grabbing Reaves jersey and jabbing at him with the same hand. I wouldn’t say there was a clear winner so I am going to give this fight a tie. 

Record 

2-1-1

The team seems to be rallying around the youngster who continues to bring energy to the squad. Imagine if he was born during the goon era of hockey. I do expect him to tone it down a bit and save some fights for playoff time. I think it is time to enjoy being in the NHL and start playing some full games.