Don La Greca on Matt Rempe Fights, "He Has to Learn to Say 'No'"

Don La Greca joins The Blue Crew to discuss Matt Rempe fighting too much.

Matt Rempe of the New York Rangers made quite the impression in his first few NHL games this past week. The 21-year-old stands at 6 foot 7 just over 240 pounds, and it is safe to say he made his large presence felt by multiple players. 

Rempe’s debut took place at the outdoor stadium series game versus the Islanders where he fought one of the league’s best in Matt Martin all before the puck was even dropped on his first career shift. Rempe gave Martin some serious swings to the face and other known fighters throughout the league had taken notice.

"He's [Rempe] going to be challenged every night, and he has got to learn to say 'no.' I know when you're a young kid and you're being challenged by veterans like Deslauriers, like Martin, like Olivier—you're obligated to oblige. But I don't know how it benefited them last night."

via Don La Greca, The Blue Crew

In game 3 of his NHL career, Rempe’s first shift led to the absolute destruction of New Jersey Devils’ Nathan Bastian, leaving him dazed on the ice for minutes as blood trickled from his nose.

Rempe’s big-framed presence was felt once again, and he was kicked out of the game for this one. As the next game took place against the Flyers, Rempe was continuously challenged once again, this time taking down Nicolas Deslauriers. It had now been 2 fights and a match penalty hit in 4 games for the young Rempe, and Rangers fans and staff began to critique his safety.

This past Sunday, the Rangers were in Columbus to play the Blue Jackets and looked to extend their ten-game win streak. Just minutes into the game, Rempe was tested by Mathieu Olivier who instigated the fight. Rempe got a taste of his own medicine this time, as Olivier delivered heavy punches and took the victory. 

La Greca explains that this was not the ideal time for Rempe to fight, especially after having fought multiple times already in the week. Shortly after the momentum-swinging fight, the struggling Blue Jackets scored the first goal against the Rangers and went on to win this one.

This episode of the Blue Crew Pod focuses on the strategy moving forward with Matt Rempe. Through his first 5 games in the NHL, he has racked up 32 penalty minutes, but also a goal and assist on the 4th line. 

The 21-year-old has certainly made an impact for the Rangers, but the Blue Crew discusses picking his times to fight more wisely. The Pod argues that the Blue Jackets fight was an example where Rempe had to say no – he cannot be fighting every game, and losing fights can result in momentum shifts for the other team. 

Lazarus and La Greca believe Laviolette is going to have to have a talk with Rempe at some point in regards to staying healthy because the Rangers are going to need his physical presence fresh and ready to go come playoff time.