WATCH: Matt Rempe’s massive hit results in injury to Trevor Van Riemsdyk in Game 3 of Rangers-Caps playoffs series

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Apr 27, 2024 15:10 GMT

New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe leveled Washington Capitals defenseman Trevor Van Riemsdyk during the first period of tonight’s Game 3 action at the Capital One Arena in Washington, forcing him to leave the ice immediately.

During the play, Rempe and Van Riemsdyk chased the puck to the boards, deep in the Caps’ zone. As Van Riemsdyk corralled the puck, Rempe laid into him.

Watch the hit here:

Rempe got the gate for interference. Capitals fans called for a major penalty, but the call stood as a two-minute minor.

According to the Capitals, Van Riemsdyk sustained an upper-body injury. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Van Riemsdyk immediately went to the dressing room to get assistance after logging 3:27 of playing time.

There is no word yet on whether the league will review the hit. The Department of Player Safety typically investigates such incidents to determine if any punishment is warranted.

With the Capitals down to five defensemen, the Rangers took advantage of the situation, adding to their lead. They held on to their 3-1 score to prevail over the Caps, giving themselves a 3-0 series edge.

There is no word yet if Van Riemsdyk will be ready for Game 4. He will be assessed tomorrow to determine if he will return to the lineup this postseason.

Matt Rempe and the Rangers built for the postseason

Matt Rempe and the Rangers are on a mission. The Presidents’ Trophy winners are looking to make a deep postseason run and capture the club’s first Stanley Cup since 1994.

When asked about his attitude in the postseason, Rempe told reporters per Sportsnet:

"I’m built for the playoffs, I think."

If tonight’s crushing hit is any indication, it seems that Matt Rempe thrives in postseason play. But Rempe isn’t just a gritty, physical player. He can also put the puck in the back of the net.

Rempe scored the first goal of the Rangers’ postseason in Game 1. It was his first NHL postseason goal. The marker opened the floodgates as Jimmy Vesey and Artemi Panarin joined the act.

The goal and the atmosphere have Rempe flying high. He told ESPN reporters in between periods:

"It was awesome, the crowd was absolutely bumping. It was electric, it was unreal. Love it."

The Rangers will look to close out the series in Game 4 as they look ahead to the prospect of facing the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round.