"If that's not Rempe then that's not a penalty" "Let the kid play": NHL fans react to Matt Rempe's penalty for roughing Sam Reinhart

NHL fans took to social media to voice their opinions on the penalty call against Matt Rempe, who found himself in the box for roughing Sam Reinhart. NHL insider Vince Z. Mercogliano provided an update on the situation via a post on X (formerly Twitter), detailing the sequence of events leading to the penalty.

The call sparked a range of reactions from fans, with one expressing skepticism, stating,

"If that's not Rempe then that's not a penalty."

Another advocated for a less restrictive approach to the game, simply stating,

"Let the kid play."

A common refrain among fans was the assertion that Rempe's size should not automatically warrant a penalty.

"JUST BECAUSE HE'S BIG DOESN'T MEAN IT'S A PENALTY," one fan emphasized.

Some fans pointed to the context of the play, suggesting that Matt Rempe's actions were provoked by interference from Reinhart.

"He probably wouldn’t have had his hand around Reinhart if he wasn’t being interfered with first," one fan reasoned.

Criticism was also directed at the officiating overall.

"We’re getting killed with penalties. Refs are looking to get the Panthers on the PP," a fan tweeted.

Another fan highlighted what they saw as a double standard in the officiating, contrasting Rempe's penalty with perceived missed calls against the opposing team.

"HAHAHAHAHHAHAA Reinhart INTERFERES WITH REMPE…. PENALTY ON REMPE…BENNETT interferes with IGOR- NOTHING," the fan commented.

"Rempe simply exists and it’s a penalty," a fan commented.

Matt Rempe and Rangers secure 2-1 victory over Panthers

In Game 2 against the Florida Panthers, the New York Rangers bounced back from their Game 1 defeat with a hard-fought 2-1 victory in overtime.

Barclay Goodrow emerged as the standout player, netting the winning goal 14:01 into the extra period. Goodrow's timely goal, his fourth of the playoffs, leveled the conference final series, providing a much-needed boost for the Rangers after Game 1.

The Rangers, led by coach Peter Laviolette, made a strategic lineup change, inserting the imposing Matt Rempe, whose physical presence energized the home crowd at Madison Square Garden.

Despite an early goal from Vincent Trocheck for Florida, the Rangers fought back. Goalkeeper Igor Shesterkin stood tall, making crucial saves, including six in overtime.

The series now shifts to Florida for Games 3 and 4, where both teams are eager to secure an advantage in what's expected to be a closely fought game.