New York Rangers enforcer Matt Rempe drops the gloves in his first shift back from the AHL
New York Rangers enforcer Matt Rempe is back up in the NHL and on his first shift, he drops the gloves with Washington Capitals defenseman Dylan McIlrath.
Rempe listed at 6 foot 9 wasted no time going after McIlrath who is listed at 6 foot 5 seconds into his first game back from his demotion.
Both players landed solid right & left jabs but McIlrath ultimately came out on top ending the fight with a takedown. Rempe cut under his left eye left the ice & headed down the tunnel for medical attention.
After the fight McIlrath celebrated with a flex & a loud roar earning enthusiastic stick taps from his teammates.
This wasn't the first showdown between these two. They last fought in the 2022 AHL season when McIlrath played for the Hershey Bears & Rempe was with the Hartford Wolf Pack. McIlrath also won that bout & Rempe later declined his request for a rematch.
Rempe stirred up tension with the Capitals during last season's playoffs known for his physical plays that injured Trevor van Riemsdyk & TJ Oshie. He even declined a fight with Tom Wilson at the time.
Perhaps he should have skipped this one too. The NHL once showcased heavyweight fights almost every night but now they're a rare occurrence. With few true enforcers left in the league when two heavyweights go head to head it's definitely a moment to appreciate.
