It was the Matt Rempe Show during the later part of the regular season, and now it has arrived for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The New York Rangers’ rookie gigant has become a huge fan favorite in Manhattan, and it was only fitting that he would be at the center of attention during his first-ever playoff game as the Rangers took on the Washington Capitals in the first round’s first game.
Rempe, more known for his fighting skills than anything else, earned chants from the crowd throughout all of Game 1, and they went absolutely nuts when he opened the scoring 4:17 into the second period.
He became the first Rangers player to score in his first career playoff game since 2011, and it sparked the Rangers offense, as they score another two goals in just a 2:06 span.
Rempe has already fought some of the toughest guys in the league and delivered some memorable hits along the way.
He earned his place in the playoffs, and fans are absolutely loving every second so far.
When he was named the third star of the game, the crowd went absolutely bonkers.
And TNT analyst Paul Bissonnette, who’s also the co-host of the very popular Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, said exactly what everyone was thinking about Rempe’s performance in his playoffs debut.
”The Rempire State Building gets one oh man the Garden loves him that’s incredible. Rempe chants holy shit he is him,” writes BizNasty on X, formerly Twitter.
He also praised Rempe for being the one who got the Rangers’ offense running.
”Then Panarin strikes next shift the floodgates are open. Over in 4. Rempe got the engine running.”
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette has been behind the bench in the NHL for 22 seasons. He said he can’t recall another first-year player who has brought so much to a team like Rempe.
”I can’t think of a player that’s come in and had that kind of impact on a team, on a fan base and on the city,” he said. ”If you watch him, he just smiles. He’s just happy. Loves being here, loves to play the game. He’s been great.”
