The New York Rangers don't have the same issue they used to with Matt Rempe, as he's cleaned up his game. He's found himself in the penalty box less, and contributing on the ice more later this year. But against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday he found himself in a familiar situation.![Peter Laviolette]()
An unfortunate set of circumstances happened to Rempe, as he was cross-checked into Jets goalie Connor Hellbucyk and would pay the price, as referees would penalize him.
The scenario had the Rangers' bench furious, as Rempe was penalized for something that happened to him.
While against the Minnesota Wild, he'd suffer a similar consequence after accidentally bumping into forward Devin Shore of the Wild, he'd get called for interference.
Again, it seems like bias here in regards to the 6'8" fourth-liner and enforcer
«I think he draws attention,» Laviolette said. «I think just the size of him and the way he plays the game, he draws attention. It's unfortunate because sometimes, like tonight, he's not even doing anything and he's in the box and it could come back and bite you.»
Peter Laviolette feels that Rempe is one Rangers player who is worth defending as we've seen him step in to take his side this year.
Rempe has had to brush up on his discipline after serving an eight-game suspension for elbowing Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen into the boards earlier this year.
Pegging him as a trouble maker in the NHL, a stigmatism that he has earned and will have to shut down, as he refines his game in the league to become a contributor.
Instead, the NHL referees have shown their bias on the ice against Rempe, whether it be for retaliation or the fact they don't like him we're not sure.
But for now, at least Matt Rempe has the backing of his coach. Trust like that is sometimes hard to gain for players.
He's put the work in to refine his game in the AHL and has shown maturity since putting on a Rangers uniform again.
Earlier this year he mentioned Adam Lowry as a player whose game he'd like to model himself after.
Now is better than any time to start.