Quote from: jgrangers2 on Today at 03:26:31 PMIt's hard to argue the Rangers record with Rempe in the lineup. How much of it is him vs. coincidence is up for debate. Yesterday's game played out very similar to Wednesday's with the exception that the Rangers got the benefit of a slightly fluky early goal. Not sure how much of an impact it can be said he had.
Also, I think people need to stop getting on Kakko. He hasn't become the player we wanted to but he's a highly useful bottom 6 forward that is very good defensively and with regards to puck possession.
All that said, I think Vesey likely being out makes the decision much easier for Lav.
Kakko is a disappointment relative to the once high expectations around draft-time, but if you brush those aside, forget about them, and just look at him in absolute terms he's a totally serviceable bottom six guy on a competitive team. I think most fans have moved past the hopes they once had and have come to accept the player he in fact is. But someone had to be scratched last night to make room for Rempe, and I think it's hard to criticize Laviolette's decision.
As for Rempe, playing him on the road might be trickier than at home given the matchup issues you have as the road team with the last change rule, but to me he's close to a no-brainer at home. His presence seems to elevate those around him, and he was doing good things on the ice for the most part. He got the puck deep, he was strong on the forecheck, and he had some big hits and no dumb penalties. I would love to see him parked in front of the net more, but it's very difficult to hold the zone against the Panthers. Overall I thought he was additive last night.