Head coach Peter Laviolette has yet to confirm officially, but all indications suggest that Matt Rempe is poised to make NHL history by debuting in an outdoor game. The towering 6-foot-8 forward has been skating with the Rangers’ fourth line and actively participating in practice as if he’s set to play in the upcoming game.
Despite this, Laviolette has been cautious in addressing Rempe’s inclusion in the lineup, stating on Saturday, following the team’s final practice before the Stadium Series against the Islanders at MetLife Stadium, “We’re still working through that.”
There are several possible reasons for Laviolette’s hesitation. It could be an effort to mitigate the potential pressure on Rempe, considering the significance of his debut. Alternatively, it might serve to keep Rempe motivated during the final practices, ensuring he proves his readiness for the NHL. There’s also the strategic element, possibly aimed at keeping the Islanders guessing about the Rangers’ lineup.
If Rempe does take the ice on Sunday, he would secure a place in NHL history, a noteworthy accomplishment in itself. This milestone, combined with the magnitude of playing in a Stadium Series game against a rival team, in front of a potentially massive crowd at MetLife Stadium, adds layers of complexity to the situation
