Matt Rempe brings something special to the New York Rangers

What is the New York Rangers identity? Does it change when Matt Rempe is in the lineup versus when he’s not?

Rempe brings the Rangers a different kind of swagger. You can call it a coincidence that the team is 21-3-1 with him in the lineup and (now 7-1 in the playoffs), but it should be noted that they’re 2-2 without him and at some point sooner or later – people will realize that as long as the team is winning hockey games, who cares how much ice time No. 73 is logging.

“They got a lot of guys who like to play on the edge; I think if I can get an opportunity, I can help with that,” Rempe said.

The 6-foot-8 winger finished the 2-1 Game 2 victory with 10:06 of ice time and had a game-high nine hits.

“That was so much fun. I got to play some more minutes. I was having the time of my life out there,” Rempe said. “I thought I was moving my feet really well, getting in on the forecheck, making lots of hits – playing really physical and mean. I had so much fun and I’m so happy we got the win. That was the best.” 

Rempe wasn’t the reason the Rangers won, but you can’t deny the impact right now.

“I thought he came out and had a real impact, especially early on in the first period,” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said. “He was effective on the forecheck – putting it behind them, putting it in the other team’s zone, and staying down there.”

Hockey can be funny at times. In Game 1, the Rangers had plenty of high-quality chances but couldn’t establish much on the forecheck. On Friday, the Rangers played a more complete effort with better energy.

Whether you believe in it or not, the Rempe effect is real. Laviolette has it in his back pocket whenever he feels it’s necessary. There’s a vibe around the Ranger fan base that the feelings on Rempe playing are very split, but, sometimes, you need a spark. What Kaapo Kakko brings to the Rangers lineup is nowhere near the same kind of impact that Rempe has on the game – and vice versa. Nobody is asking Kakko to go out there and throw his weight around on the forecheck, just like there isn’t an expectation for Rempe to be as responsible defensively and possess the puck below the goal line. 

Everything can change from game to game. On Friday, the Rangers felt they needed something that only a player like Rempe could bring. If Game 2 taught us anything, it’s that Rempe’s energy is contagious, and sometimes you just need that kick.