New York Rangers winger Matt Rempe is facing a suspension after his ejection from Friday’s game against Dallas for an illegal hit on Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen.
Rempe was tossed after a dangerous hit that came with the Rangers leading 2-1 with 7:11 remaining in the third period. As Heiskanen moved to play the puck along the boards, Rempe came in from behind and delivered a high, hard hit, driving the defenseman’s head into the glass with an elbow.
Heiskanen left the ice for evaluation but later returned to the game.
Referees Eric Furlatt and Brandon Schrader reviewed the play, confirming their call of a major penalty.
“I thought he had a big impact on the game,” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said after the game. “I’d like to stay away from the five-minute major, but he’s doing his best to hit bodies and make a difference in the game.”
This is Rempe’s fourth ejection, coming in just his 22nd NHL appearance. He has 95 penalty minutes, one goal, and one assist in 22 games with the Rangers.
A History of Violence
- 2/22/24 – Match Penalty; Illegal Check to the Head of New Jersey Devils’ Nathan Bastian
- 3/11/24 – Match Penalty; Elbowing New Jersey Devils’ Jonas Sigenthaler. Suspended 4 games.
- 4/3/24 – Game Misconduct; Line brawl after opening faceoff vs. New Jersey Devils.
- 12/20/24 – Major + Game Misconduct; Elbowing Dallas Stars’ Miro Heiskanen.
The Rangers are undefeated (4-0) in games where Rempe was ejected.
Suspension Incoming
The New York Rangers winger will miss some additional time for the hit. He’s been offered an in-person hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. Expect Rempe to be hit with a high six-game ban.
At that point, he’ll have as many suspensions (2) as career points.
He’s already been suspended for more minutes (4 games x 60 minutes = 240 minutes) than his entire NHL career ice-time total (126 minutes, 52 seconds). The NHL’s Department of Player Safety is about to help him add to that total.
The New York Rangers went on to win the game 3-1. Referees were Eric Furlatt (#27) and Brandon Schrader (#34) with linespersons Tommy Hughes (#65) and Trent Knorr (#74).
