Feb 25, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Mathieu Olivier (24) and New York Rangers center Matt Rempe (73) fight during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
NHL: New York Rangers at Columbus Blue Jackets
NEW YORK — Rangers Matt Rempe raised a few eyebrows on Thursday when he said that he has “a lot of respect” for nemesis Tom Wilson.
The rookie’s comments came just three days before the Rangers face off with Wilson’s Washington Capitals in the first-round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sunday at Madison Square Garden.
Wilson, who’s feared throughout the league for often crossing the line into dirty play, may be most disliked by the Rangers and their fans.
New York has memories that stretch back to 2021 when Wilson cross-checked Artemi Panarin, injuring the star forward, and subsequently ending his season.
The Rangers were so furious with Wilson’s actions and the fact that he wasn’t suspended, that they ended up being fined $250,000 by the NHL for a statement denouncing the League and its Department of Player Safety.
But Rempe took the high road when speaking about Wilson on Thursday after Rangers practice.
“I like the way he plays, plays hard,” Rempe told Mollie Walker of the New York Post. “Very skilled player, as well. It’s a guy who does a lot of different things. Obviously, I’ve got a lot of respect for the guy.”
It is true that the polarizing Wilson is some ways a unique player. The feisty forward has been suspended six times since 2017, including a six-game ban in March for high-sticking Toronto Maple Leafs forward Noah Gregor in the face.
But he has also scored 20 or more goals three times in the NHL and was fourth on the Capitals this season with 18.
“I think he’s … a hell of a player,” Rempe said.
Rempe is striving to be a similarly player as, minus the dirty play. The 6-foot-8 forward’s goal is to be a regular in the lineup, not only because he’s an intimidating player, but because he can be a trusted two-way player.
“When I was younger, I think there’s this montage of him on YouTube just blowing guys up,” Rempe explained. “I used to watch that sometimes when I was younger, it got me fired up.”
Rempe’s presence in the lineup certainly provides an extra element of surprise for the Rangers. He finished third on the team with 71 penalty minutes, despite playing in only 17 games. He also was booted out of three games and was suspended for four after elbowing Jonas Siegenthaler of the New Jersey Devils
Whether Rempe is in the lineup for Game 1 is not known. Laviolette said he won’t divulge any lineup decisions throughout the playoffs.
