Matt Rempe has established himself as a tough guy in the NHL after just 10 games, and sometimes a suspension here or there will go with the moniker. Late in the second period of the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils tilt on Monday night, Rempe had a lapse in judgment. As he gets more experience with the speed of the NHL game, he will realize his potential impact. Rempe was trying to finish his check as the Devils Jonas Siegenthaler was dumping the puck in. Unfortunately, the 6’7″ (according to hockey-reference.com), caught Siegenthaler in the head with his elbow. The Department of Player Safety called for Rempe to have a hearing today. He has been suspended four games.
Was the Matt Rempe Hit Deserving of a Suspension?
Rempe is a monster of a man and will have to learn to play with control in the league. Through 10 games in the league, he does have one goal and one assist to his credit. However, his presence as an old-school enforcer is blatantly obvious. Sure he has already dropped them with the current undisputed heavyweight, Ryan Reaves. All total, he has 54 penalty minutes, including 15 in the game against the Devils. Furthermore, in just 5:39 of average ice time, he has thrown 31 hits. He basically throws a hit every second shift.
A Look at the Game of Rempe
Rempe has proven that he is a legitimate NHLer in just a short time. He’s not just here as an entertainment figure. In his two seasons applying his craft with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL, he has solid statistics. Combined in 96 games, he had 14 goals and 22 points to go along with 183 PIMs. Now as he adjusts to the NHL game, he will learn the players and the speed of the game. Like this hit on Siegenthaler, there are so many split-second decisions to make on the ice. Sometimes you need to show discretion, especially when you can overpower many of your opponents. Inevitably, with his size and style of play, these things are bound to happen.
Main photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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