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Should Matt Rempe Play in Game 2 Against the Panthers?

By Gerard Turner

Apr 3, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Matt Rempe (73) and New Jersey Devils defenseman Kurtis MacDermid (23) fight at the start of the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Matt Rempe (73) and New Jersey Devils defenseman Kurtis MacDermid (23) fight at the start of the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports / Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
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The Matt Rempe show began in February when he was called up from the Hartford Wolf Pack after forward Blake Wheeler went down with a leg injury. From the start, Rempe made a name for himself with his physicality and his fighting skills. The fans love him and Madison Square Garden is always loud when he does something impactful. However, with the return of Filip Chytil for the playoffs, we have seen a slight decline in Rempe’s playing time.

Chytil had been out since November after suspected concussions, but he returned to the lineup on May 9 against the Carolina Hurricanes. He played his second game of these playoffs last night in the 3-0 loss to the Florida Panthers. In both of these games, Rempe was a healthy scratch. 

Wheeler has also become available for the Blueshirts as he returned earlier this week so the Rangers now have several options on who their 12th forward will be for every game going forward. 

My Opinion 

Rempe should be in the lineup for Game 2. For road games, you can go with either Rempe, Chytil, Wheeler, or even Jonny Brodzinski, but I think when you have a game at MSG you have to go with Rempe. He electrifies the crowd when he plays at the Garden and his teammates feed off of his boost. 

Also, the Rangers are coming off a loss where the crowd was silent for almost the entirety of the game. The only time the crowd was loud was when the Panthers had a goal overturned and when Jacob Trouba laid a massive hit. Other than that, it did not feel like a usual MSG atmosphere. I understand they were down after the first period, but you gotta take advantage of every home game you have and make it hard on the opponent. 

That is why they need Rempe in. One early hit or a good forecheck from him and the place will go wild. Or even better, imagine a goal from him? The place would erupt as it did in Round 1 against the Capitals when he scored the first goal of the series. He may not be the most skilled, but he brings size, toughness, and a much-needed spark. 

I also think Chytil is not 100% yet. He is coming back from a serious injury so it makes sense he is not performing up to his usual potential. In just under 20 minutes of ice time through two playoff games, Chytil has one shot on goal, one hit, and one block. He may not be lighting up the scoresheet and I may want Rempe over him for Game 2, but it is still great to see him back on the ice.

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