Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette reveals why Matt Rempe is benched

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Hunter Bowman
May 8, 2024 (4:56 PM)

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New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette recently explained his decision to limit rookie enforcer Matt Rempe's playing time.

As the Rangers push forward in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, securing another win to lead their series against the Carolina Hurricanes 2-0, Rempe's limited presence on the ice has caught some attention.

After the game, Laviolette addressed the matter, stressing that playoff games require strategic adjustments and sometimes tough decisions about player utilization.

"I just feel like that happens all the time in playoffs when you get down to it. When you're trailing in the third period, regardless of minutes, you have to win that game. As I was running the game last night I was thinking about Mika coming off. Wennberg's line went out for 30 seconds, but then there was an offensive zone faceoff so I put Mika back out there. I think it's different too, depending on the score of the game. When you're up 4-0 you can roll the bench, but when you're chasing that game and every decision matters, I'm doing what I think is right."

In these high-stakes games, coaches have to make the best moves to keep the momentum and secure a win. Laviolette's strategy reflects on the intense playoff environment where every shift and decision can tip the scales of a series.