Sunday night at American Airlines Center turned into a fierce, low-scoring showdown between the Penguins and the Stars, ultimately becoming a battle of elite goaltending that required a shootout to decide the winner. Both Tristan Jarry and Jake Oettinger were phenomenal, trading spectacular saves all night long in a hard-fought, defensive gem. The Penguins, who got strong efforts and goals from Connor Dewar and Tommy Novak to take the lead, were aiming to extend their win streak. However, the Stars' relentless push, led by Jamie Benn, culminated in Miro Heiskanen scoring a dramatic game-tying goal late in the third period. The defensive deadlock persisted through overtime until Mikko Rantanen netted the decisive goal in the shootout, securing the 3-2 final for Dallas, extending their own impressive winning streak to three games, and snapping Pittsburgh's two-game run. Pittsburgh Penguins Lineup: Novak - Crosby - Rust Mantha - Hayes - Brazeau McGroarty - Kindel - Koivunen Dewa...
After boarding and elbowing Dallas Stars defenseman, Miro Heiskanen, on Friday, December 20th, it was announced that New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe would be serving an eight-game suspension without pay.
Rempe had been assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for elbowing in the third period of the matchup in Dallas with 12:51 left in regulation. He was considered a repeat offender under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Based on his average annual salary, he had forfeited $80,000.00, which went to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
The 22-year-old Calgary native is expected to return on the 9th of January, however, on Monday, it was announced that the Rangers assigned Matt Rempe to the AHL Hartford Wolf Pack.
It had been expected that the Rangers would be keeping him in the lineup for his return, and despite the news, New York has not given up on Rempe just yet.
The forward has only played in five games this season for the Rangers as he's been passed back and forth between the NHL and AHL.
Matt Rempe provides a specific, thrilling physical spark that is definitely intriguing for a Rangers team that has been struggling this season, and just struggling to find their identity. ...As of right now, it's unclear how head coach Peter Laviolette will utilize Rempe going forward, but he is likely to find a place on the New York Rangers.
Emily Kaplan on Matt Rempe and his suspension: "The good news is the Rangers still love him almost as much as you love him. They still love his attitude, his work ethic, his development, so as long as he's learned his lesson, I do expect him to get another opportunity with the Rangers this spring."
Hopefully, the eight-game suspension served as a stark reminder for Matt Rempe that while his physicality and size bring a thrilling spark to the New York Rangers, he must learn to channel his intensity legally and effectively. His development hinges on learning to harness that intensity, becoming a force on both ends of the ice while maintaining the discipline necessary for sustained success. The Rangers, and many of their fans, eagerly await his return, eager to see him continue to grow and win in the future.
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