Key Takeaways:
– Matt Rempe, a rookie for the New York Rangers, shares his experiences and reactions following a massive 10-player brawl with the New Jersey Devils.
– The conflict between Rempe and Devils’ Kurtis MacDermid was not a surprise as tensions between the two had been escalating for weeks.
– Following a league rule, eight players, including Rempe and MacDermid, were unexpectedly ejected from the game.
– Rempe aims to balance his fighting reputation with demonstrating his value as a versatile player for the team.
In a captivating revelation, New York Rangers’ rookie Matt Rempe reflects on the recent massive brawl that involved 10 players during the Rangers’ game against the New Jersey Devils.
Rempe’s Recollection of the Night’s Events
Armed with a smile and positive attitude, Rempe entered the locker room of the Rangers’ practice facility following the chaotic encounter with the Devils. His cheerful demeanor wasn’t about his team’s narrow 4-3 victory. Instead, he excitedly reminisced the unforeseen line brawl that involved nearly 10 players from both teams off the initial face-off. “That was a banger,” he happily declared.
Rempe and the Devils’ Kurtis MacDermid had not been on good terms for quite a while, a well-known fact among both teams and fans. When their respective teams sent out their fourth lines for the opening face-off on this fateful night, Rempe was fully aware that a duel with the veteran MacDermid was unavoidable.
The Conflict Between Rempe and MacDermid
The tension between Rempe and MacDermid originally dates back to a previous meeting at Madison Square Garden on March 11. On that day, Rempe declined MacDermid’s request to square off following an episode where Rempe earned a penalty for a hit on another player, Nathan Bastian.
When Rempe saw that MacDermid was part of the Devils’ starting lineup for their recent match-up, he sensed that MacDermid, who hadn’t played in the Devils’ last four games, was looking to settle the score. And indeed, that’s what happened. The fight between Rempe and MacDermid was long and fierce, with both players landing substantial blows over a period of 90 seconds. The encounter was eventually acknowledged by both parties, each expressing respect for the other.
The Unexpected Ejections from the Game
According to NHL rule 46.7, harsh penalties are assigned to any player involved in a major brawl that occurs after the initial altercation. It was determined that the first skirmish involved Jimmy Vesey from the Rangers and Curtis Lazar from the Devils, leading to the automatic ejection of the other eight players who joined the fray, including Rempe and MacDermid. This came as a surprise to the rookie player.
Rempe’s Future Aspirations
Despite a reputation for fighting in his first few games, Rempe aims to demonstrate a more comprehensive set of skills for the Rangers. This 21-year-old is keen to prove that he is not just an enforcer, but a versatile player who can make a significant impact on the team. Through training and engagement with his coaches, Rempe aims to be a consistent and reliable contributor for the Rangers, especially with the upcoming Stanley Cup playoffs.
Despite the excitement of the brawl, Rempe doesn’t want to be remembered solely for his fighting antics. His aspirations involve being recognized as a sturdy, bottom-six forward with aptitude in skating, checking, and defensive tactics. The young player shall look to balance his fighting reputation with delivering performances that fundamentally elevate the game.