Watch It: Rangers’ Matt Rempe squares off against heavyweight Ryan Reaves
Rookie Matt Rempe squared off against well-respected NHL heavyweight Ryan Reaves, as the New York Rangers take on the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night.
Late in the third period with the Rangers down 3-2, and after Rempe knocked Leafs defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin out of the game with crushing hit, Reaves got what he wanted.
The two big guys had a lengthy bout with Rempe wisely using his reach to keep Reaves at distance. Both players got their licks in with the fight most likely a draw.
This season, the 37 year-old Reaves has seen limited action playing in just 32 games. However, he’s managed to get into three fights and picked up 29 penalty minutes in the process. All things considered, those are pretty low stats for a bruiser with a career total of 1052 penalty minutes in 860 games over 14 years.
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Matt Rempe vs Ryan Reaves
Coming into the matchup, it felt like two Main Events were on the card with both teams considered Stanley Cup contenders. However, Rempe has taken the league by storm with his sheer size at 6-foot-8 and three bombastic fights in his brief NHL career. So when Reaves, a veteran enforcer and former Ranger was asked about the kid on Friday, his comments hinted at a possible tussle.
“I don’t have the game script, but you never know,” Reaves smirked. “He’s got some attention– see how long it lasts.”
Meanwhile, prior to the game, head coach Peter Laviolette focused on the other things Rempe has done well since joining the team.
“He’s had a positive impact on our team,” Laviolette praised. “He skates well and has been physical. He’s created some offense. Him and his line have chipped in some goals. So, he’s done a good job.”
Rempe, 21, has two points (1 goal, 1 assist) with 32 penalty minutes before tonight’s contest.
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