Matt Rempe Will Be Healthy Scratch For Rangers' Opening Night Game

For all looking forward to seeing Matt Rempe in the New York Rangers’ opening night game against the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight will be disappointed.

During the team’s morning skate, the fourth line consisted on Adam Edström, Sam Carrick and Jimmy Brodzinski with Rempe being the odd man out.

In most cases, the player who does not appear on any of the lines during morning skate is expected to be scratched and and Peter Laviolette confirmed that Rempe won’t be playing following today’s practice.

“This isn't about scratching somebody,” Laviolette said. “Sometimes it's going to be about the opponent, sometimes it's going to be about play. I think Jonny (Brodzinski) had a really good camp.”

The 21-year-old enforcer was beloved by all the fans last year and really became a household name upon coming to the Rangers last February.

However, his benching for the opening night game shouldn't surprise anybody.

This past season, Rempe played limited minutes when he was in the lineup while in the playoffs, he often found himself as a healthy scratch.

In order to become a regular in the Rangers’ rotation, Rempe will have to earn that position and show Laviolette that he can play all sides of the puck at a consistent level.

Plus, Rempe will see his time in the lineup and that will be his chance to prove himself.