Matt Rempe Fighting Streak
Matt Rempe made his first NHL debut on Feb. 18 in the Stadium Series game with the New York Rangers facing off against the New York Islanders. He has gained a lot of media attention through his fights.
Seth Wenig, AP
Matt Rempe hasn't had much of a chance to show of his game, so far, with his penalty minutes (32, already good for fifth most the team, despite only playing five games) far outweighing his actual time on ice (20:01, or an average of about four minutes per game). He has had a lot to say about his recent start:
"But I'm just trying to keep a level head and trying to stay down to earth. I’m five games into my career. I’ve got a long way to go."
"I just go out there and play hard," he said. "It comes with the territory."
Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
"I’m 21, so I’m going to play my heart out every time, every game, every practice," Rempe said. "I love this game. … I love every aspect of it. I’d love to be a New York Ranger for a long time, but I want to take it day by day. I don't know what tomorrow brings. I don't know what the next day brings. If I just do my job, that's all I can control."
Peter Baugh
Other veteran players like Barclay Goodrow have also had a lot to say about Matt Rempes start:
"The fights speak for themselves, but I think his play just in regular hockey has been really good, as well," said veteran Barclay Goodrow, who has been centering the fourth line between Rempe and fellow rookie Adam Edström. "He's a beast on the forecheck. He's turning a lot of pucks over. He's winning faceoffs. He's doing a lot of other things, too, besides fighting. Him and Eddy together have been a lot of fun to play with."
He is only five games in and already making a huge impression on the NHL. It will be amazing to see how he continues to grow as a player beside all the New York Ranger veteran players.