NHL: New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins - Source: Imagn — NHL analyst shared his perspective on Matt Rempe's in person hearing (image credit: IMAGN)

92-year-old hockey analyst makes his feelings known about "lucky" Matt Rempe amid in-person NHL hearing

Modified Dec 22, 2024 15:25 GMT

Hockey analyst Stan Fischler shared his thoughts on Matt Rempe’s possible suspension after a controversial hit. The incident happened during the New York Rangers’ 3-1 win over the Dallas Stars on Friday.

At 7:10 of the third period, Rempe hit Dallas defenseman Miro Heiskanen. The play resulted in a boarding/elbowing call, a major penalty and a game misconduct.

"It's anybody's guess what the NHL's verdict on @NYRangers #MattRempe will be. Could be from no suspension on up. My guess is max 2 games but I know hockey guy who figures more. Rempe is lucky on one key count; his major could have cost his desperate team a key point. But did not." Fischler tweeted on Saturday.

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The NHL Department of Player Safety is reviewing the hit and Rempe will have an in-person hearing via Zoom on Sunday. An in-person hearing is offered when there's a possibility of a suspension of six or more games. Until the hearing, Rempe remains suspended.

Fischler pointed out that the Rangers were lucky the penalty didn’t cost them an important point in the standings. Heading into the game against the Stars, New York had hoped Rempe would bring energy to the team but his ejection was unexpected. However, it didn’t affect the Rangers, who were leading 2-1 at the time. Chris Kreider added another goal late in the game to secure the win.

New York coach Peter Laviolette praised Matt Rempe for his impact.

"I thought he had a big impact in the game," Laviolette said to reporters after the game. "I would 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. Our guys really rallied around that, as well."

The league is reviewing Matt Rempe's hit for boarding and elbowing but may adjust the call.

Rangers secured the win despite Matt Rempe's ejection in third period

Artemi Panarin returned after missing two games due to an injury. With the win against the Stars, the Rangers snapped a three-game losing streak.

Roope Hintz gave Dallas a 1-0 lead at 1:46 with a shot from the slot. Reilly Smith tied it 1-1 with a short-handed goal at 10:44 after a turnover by Thomas Harley.

Vincent Trocheck put the Rangers ahead 2-1 at 15:20 with a slap shot from the left circle. Chris Kreider added an empty-net goal at 17:54 to seal the win. Igor Shesterkin made 41 saves, including 21 on the penalty kill.