Matt Rempe’s return to the New York Rangers lineup on Friday night was marked by unfortunate incidents.
In his first NHL game since being recalled from the AHL due to Kaapo Kakko’s trade, the 22-year-old forward was ejected in the third period for a perilous hit to the back of Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen.
The incident happened with 12:50 left in the third when Heiskanen passed the puck in the neutral zone. Rempe, coming from behind, raised his elbow to Heiskanen’s neck, forcing him into the boards. This resulted in a five-minute major penalty for elbowing and a game misconduct, leading to Rempe’s expulsion from the match.
Despite Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin’s impressive performance, stopping 41 shots, New York struggled to break away on the scoreboard until late in the third period. Ultimately, the Rangers secured a 3-1 victory over the Stars, with goals from Chris Kreider, Reilly Smith, and Vincent Trocheck helping to end a three-game losing streak.
Rempe’s ejection was his fourth in just 22 NHL appearances. Prior to the hit on Heiskanen, he had already drawn three penalties in the game.
Speaking before the game against the Stars after his call-up, Rempe acknowledged the positive impact of his time in AHL’s Hartford on his development.
“I have a long journey ahead,” he said, according to Mollie Walker of the New York Post. “I’ve come a long way in a short time, and I believe that continuing to develop is crucial.
“My first year in Hartford, I rarely played more than 12 minutes, and I never saw time on special teams. Now, to suddenly play 18 minutes effectively—I’ve earned my place in those minutes.”
He added that his progress has been very encouraging.
The Rangers are set to host the Carolina Hurricanes next at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.
This article was originally published by Athlon Sports and has been shared with permission.
