Matt Rempe returned to the New York Rangers’ lineup on Monday after a stint in the AHL. It didn’t take long for him to resume his usual controversial antics, delivering a blatantly cheap hit on Jake Neighbours.
Rempe had only played three NHL games this season prior to Monday and hadn’t been in the lineup since October 29 against the Washington Capitals. However, due to an upper-body injury on Chris Kreider, the towering winger was called back up to face the St. Louis Blues.
With the Rangers dealing with injuries, Rempe logged 9:26 of ice time, the second-highest total of his career. True to form, he delivered a questionable hit that became a major talking point.
Matt Rempe’s cheap hit on Jake Neighbours
At 3:44 into the third period, with the Rangers trailing 3-2 against the Blues, Rempe steamrolled Blues forward Jake Neighbours with a cheap hit in the neutral zone, right in front of the benches. Neighbours didn’t have the puck and had no idea Rempe was coming at him with speed. Rempe could have easily avoided the collision but chose otherwise. Neighbours appeared woozy as he struggled to get up from the ice.
Rempe was assessed a two-minute minor penalty for roughing at a critical moment for the Rangers, who were desperate for a tying goal. Instead, the Blues scored less than five minutes later to make it 4-2 and eventually added a fifth goal. On social media, many fans were furious with Rempe’s actions, particularly because he put his team in a difficult position in his first game back from the AHL.
Rempe slammed by fans
Rempe was involved in several heated moments throughout the game.
”Chaos from Rempe,” former NHLer and analyst P.K. Subban wrote on Instagram.
Overall, fans said just about the exact same thing about Rempe on social media.
”That’s insanely dangerous,” one said.
”What a dumb hit. Asking to be sent back down,” another said.
”Jeez dude. Just came back from the minors and makes this hit,” a third added.
”Call up a clown, you’ll get a circus,” a fourth said.
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