NHL: New York Rangers at Dallas Stars - Source: Imagn — NHL: New York Rangers' Matt Rempe suspended for eight games (image credit: IMAGN)

Ex-US Governor Sarah Palin had a fiery response to Matt Rempe critics: "He is the difference"

Modified Dec 23, 2024 15:17 GMT

Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin defended New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe for his eight-game suspension. NHL insider Mollie Walker posted on X on Saturday that Rempe was not eligible to play against the Carolina Hurricanes as he was waiting to hear from NHL player safety.

On Sunday, Rempe received an eight-game suspension from the NHLPS. Walker mentioned that the Hurricanes game would count toward his suspension.

Palin replied to Walker on X.

“Shoot. Because HE IS THE DIFFERENCE💪 Since when did so many softies become hockey ‘fans’? Anti-Rempe tribe wanting to change the game to kumbaya-hockey🙄 think y’all don’t really know the game ~ u better off sticking with tiddlywinks #NHL #Rempe #NYR #LGR,” Palin tweeted.

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Rempe received the suspension for boarding and elbowing Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen on Friday. The incident took place at 7:10 of the third period. The NHL’s Department of Player Safety issued the ruling after an in-person hearing, which is offered for suspensions of six or more games.

The 165th overall pick of the 2020 NHL draft is known for his physical play but has faced criticism for frequent penalties. He was ejected twice last season and served a four-game suspension for elbowing a New Jersey player.

The Rangers won 3-1 on Friday, snapping a three-game losing streak. Despite zero points in five NHL games this season, Rempe has become popular for fighting tough players.

Analyst Stan Fischler earlier weighed the consequences of Matt Rempe's game misconduct

On Saturday, hockey analyst Stan Fischler commented on Matt Rempe’s hit during the Rangers’ 3-1 win over the Dallas Stars. Fischler took to X before the eight-game suspension was announced.

"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.

Fischler noted the Rangers were fortunate the penalty didn’t cost them a key point as they could've lost the game to the Stars who were only one goal behind. Chris Kreider scored late in the game and secured the win.

After the game, New York Rangers coach Peter Laviolette praised Rempe.

"I thought he had a big impact in the game," Laviolette said to reporters. "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."

Matt Rempe will be eligible to play against the New Jersey Devils on Jan. 9. The game will start at 7:00 p.m. EST.