"By now, it should be evident to most hockey fans that Matt Rempe serves a singular purpose for the New York Rangers: to inflict punishment. In just two seasons, he has managed to be suspended for more games than he's registered points, a statistic that speaks volumes about how he is deployed. Little wonder, then, that the Islanders devoted considerable effort to insulating Matthew Schaefer from Rempe"
"The strategy proved effective. Rempe, whose skating has never been mistaken for elegance, was repeatedly diverted from his intended lanes. Forced into awkward detours, he not only lost balance but, at one point, nearly collided with goaltender David Rittich after being steered directly through the crease. Each diversion ended the same way: another wall of Islanders bodies, positioned to intercept him before he could inflict damage on his target."
The Islanders focused on protecting number-one overall pick Matthew Schaefer by consistently blocking Matt Rempe during the game. Rempe, known for physical enforcement and multiple suspensions, was repeatedly diverted from his intended lanes and forced into awkward detours that disrupted his effectiveness. Islanders players formed a physical barrier that intercepted Rempe before he could reach Schaefer, at one point steering him through the crease near goaltender David Rittich. Schaefer suffered a broken collarbone at the World Junior Championship last December, required surgery, and missed the remainder of the season, prompting extra caution given his potential franchise role.
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