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NHL fans reacted to a controversial penalty call on Matt Rempe in the first game of the playoff series between the New York Rangers and the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden.
Rempe was involved in a battle with Beck Malenstyn before a faceoff, followed by a hit that resulted in a charging penalty.
Vince Mercogliano tweeted about the incident:
"Rempe was battling with Beck Malenstyn before the faceoff on his first shift, then hits him moments later and is called for a penalty. That's not the start the rookie (or the #NYR) were hoping for. Fans letting the refs have it."
Mercogliano's tweet resonated with many who questioned the validity of the charging call against Rempe. Even former NHL player PK Subban chimed in, labeling the call as "HORRIBLE."
"HORRIBLE call on rempe … that’s as soft as it gets," PK Subban tweeted.
Fans joined the chorus of criticism, comparing the call on Rempe to other controversial decisions in recent games.
"Just as soft as the call on Andrews Lee that gave Carolina their first power play and goal against the Islanders yesterday," one fan tweeted, pointing out a similar soft call from a previous game.
"Guy was coasting and changing direction should be a video on how to hit when your 6’7," another fan tweeted,
"Don’t like Rempe, don’t like what he brings to the game, but that was not a penalty" this fan said, despite not liking Rempe
The consensus among fans was that the penalty call was unjustified.
"That was an absurd call on Rempe," insider Eric Engels tweeted.
"Officials have been awful today. Just terrible," one fan tweeted.
"2 min for being huge," another fan tweeted.
"He’s gliding, and how would he leave his feet, he’s 6’8,” a fan tweeted,
Matt Rempe on idolizing Tom Wilson
In Sunday's Game 1 clash between the New York Rangers and the Washington Capitals, rookie Matt Rempe faced his childhood idol, Tom Wilson.
Rempe, earning a start on the Rangers' fourth line, expressed admiration for Wilson's robust style of play, calling him a skilled and multifaceted athlete. Mollie Walker quoted him on X:
"When I was younger, I think there was this montage of him on YouTube just blowing guys up. I used to watch that sometimes when I was younger. It got me fired up. I know he’s a really good competitor.”
