Rangers' Head Coach Delivers Controversial Remarks In Defense Of Matt Rempe
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Matt Rempe has made waves in the NHL very quickly, becoming one of the most prominent hockey villains in only 10 games. Yet, after his stunts last night in the game against New Jersey, it seems his coach is on his side.
Rempe Ejected After Nasty Elbow Hit
In last night's game against the Devils, Rangers enforcer Matt Rempe looked to be a primary target for New Jersey defenseman Kurtis McDermid. However, their chance at a fray was cut short after Rempe was ejected for a massive elbow hit to his opponent Jonas Sigenthaler.
Rangers Head Coach Excuses Rempe's Reckless Behavior
While most people see this action as an intentional hit to Siegenthaler's head, the Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette had a different opinion. In regards to the suspension, Laviolette claimed that Rempe was simply trying to brace for impact with the boards and caught Sigenthaler on accident.
"He was getting to a point where he was going to go crashing into the boards and he put his arms up. It's over, he can learn from it and we'll miss him while he's gone. He was playing another pretty good game for us. He's been really effective with what he does out on the ice. There's been a lot around him since he's come onto our team and into the league. You take an opportunity like this and you just try to get better from it."
While the five-inch height differential between these two players is something to think about, it definitely seems like this elbow was intentional. Moreover, Rempe taunted the team after his ejection with a wave, definitely making Laviolette's case harder to justify.
Regardless of your stance on this suspension, it is remarkable the impact Rempe has already had in his new career with the NHL. Hopefully, he can take this scenario as a learning opportunity, at least in how to become better on the ice.
| POLL | ||
12 MARS | 172 ANSWERS Rangers' Head Coach Delivers Controversial Remarks In Defense Of Matt Rempe Do you think Laviolette is right about this hit? | ||
| Yes | 71 | 41.3 % |
| No | 101 | 58.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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