“Should never play an NHL game again”: Fans furious as Matt Rempe receives game misconduct for elbowing Miro Heiskanen

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Dec 21, 2024 04:47 GMT

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Fans reacted as Matt Rempe’s return to the New York Rangers ended poorly on Friday, as he received a game misconduct. He was ejected for elbowing Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen in the third period.

The 22-year-old hit Heiskanen from behind, with his elbow making contact with Heiskanen’s head. Officials gave Rempe a five-minute major penalty and ejected him. It was Rempe’s fourth career ejection in 22 NHL games.

B/R Open Ice posted a clip of the hit on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption:

"In his return to the Rangers lineup, Matt Rempe received a five-minute major for elbowing and a game misconduct on this hit on Miro Heiskanen."

Fans shared their mixed reactions.

"Legitimately should never play an NHL game again if the league cares about safety," one fan said.

"Shouldn't have been a major at all. His elbow went into his back and rode up into his head. 2 min minor, sure... major, hell nah," said another fan who disagreed.

"Let him fight Tyson Fury," a fan mentioned.

Here are some more reactions from fans on X:

"The Rags just keep bringing this clown up and letting him do stupid things. Send him down and forget about him," a fan said.

"Good - next time opposition defenders will look twice before skating the puck of off their zone... Rempe should play every fucking game... Sending him down was a mistake... #NYR," another fan said in support.

"Looked like heiskanen decided not to protect him self. Hit looked clean besides the size difference. What kind of player looks back sees him coming and goes face first in to the boards?," one fan mentioned.

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Coach Peter Laviolette on Matt Rempe's game misconduct

Matt Rempe’s night was brief but eventful. He played only 5:27, recording five hits and 17 penalty minutes.

The Rangers, struggling before the game, had hoped that Rempe would bring energy to the team. An ejection wasn't what they wanted, but coach Peter Laviolette praised Rempe's efforts.

"I thought he had a big impact on the game," Laviolette said. "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. Our guys really rallied around that at the end."

Despite the penalty, the Rangers killed off the five-minute major and won 3-1. It's unclear if the league will take further action against Rempe. Next, the Rangers play the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday.