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HC Peter Laviolette addresses Matt Rempe's healthy scratch for Rangers' season opener
New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette announced that forward Matt Rempe will be scratched for the team's season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Laviolette addressed the decision, citing it as a strategic call.
"This isn't about scratching somebody, sometimes it's going to be about the opponent, sometimes it's going to be about play. I think Jonny (Brodzinski) had a really good camp." Laviolette said.
The 22-year-old Rangers centre became a fan favorite last season (2023-24) since joining the team in February 2024. However, he played limited minutes when in the lineup, appearing in just 17 regular season games and scoring 1 goal with 1 assist.
Rempe was often a healthy scratch during the playoffs, playing in only 11 games and scoring 1 goal.
For now, the coach has opted to scratch the enforcer for the season opener in favor of other players who had stronger training camps, like Brodzinski.
Fans react to scratching Matt Rempe for season opener
The decision by Rangers coach Peter Laviolette to scratch Calgary-born Rempe for the season opener against Pittsburgh has invited strong reactions from fans on social media.
Many were surprised that the 6-foot-8.5-inch professional was not in the lineup against the Penguins. One fan tweeted,
"I would love to see an anonymous poll asking every NHL head coach if Rempe would be in the lineup if he were on their team."
Another fan speculated,
"Lavi will be smart with matchups, no need to go heavy vs a small team like Pittsburgh"
Here is how other fans reacted:
"I think Laviolette doesn’t like Rempe he just had to put him on the team or the NYR fans wouldn’t let him live it down. He had a good camp, good pre-season games, and worked his butt off all summer. It’s just a low blow from Laviolette at this point. one fan wrote on X.
"I really don’t understand the blowback. Edstrom has the same size basically but is 10x the actual hockey player Rempe is" another fan wrote.
"How many times are we gonna try Brodzinski? He’s a tweener. Too good for AHL but not a NHL regular. He’s fine as a depth guy and I’ll be glad we have him when injuries hit, but should not be taking Rempe’s spot ever." a user commented.
While Matt Rempe will miss the Rangers' 2024-25 regular season opener against the Penguins, the fans will hope coach Laviolette drafts him back in the upcoming games.
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