Jess Rubenstein, a long-time bird dog of the ice lanes who was the first spot Vincent Mancini as a future NHL ace, agrees that – if properly handled – Rempe could be a useful big leaguer. (Repeat: if properly handled.)

Matt Rempe officially has been sent down to AHL Hartford again, clearing the way for the Rangers to activate veteran winger Jimmy Vesey before Sunday’s game against the Islanders.

His first NHL shift, however, brought Rempe right back to his physical roots and back to the penalty box, limiting his time on ice once again. After the fight, Rempe exchanged words with McIlrath as the linesmen separated them. The bout set the tone for what would be a rough outing for the Rangers, who ultimately fell 5–3.