Tough situation here for Rempe. Got the callup. Had a great tilt in front of 80,000 in his first game. Then, last nights hit which I think its going to garner a suspension. At least 2 games. Guess we will see. It was a Scott Stevens hit. Kind of hit that puts everyone on their feet. Deflates the other team. It was a clean hit if this was late 90's NHL. Elbows down, lead with the shoulder. Unfortunatly, that big shoulder caught Bastian in the face. Largely evidenced by the busted up beak afterwards.
Im hoping it won't get him a demotion back to the Pack.
With Rempe in the lineup, i think this might be the most physical club the team has employed in a very long time. The defense already consisting of Trouba who likely hold the crown as the most physical defenseman in the game today. Hes 4th in the league in Defensman in terms of # hits. Add Schneider who's 35th in the league in terms of # of hits and Miller who is now 38th in # hits among all Dmen. 3 out of 6 dmen up among the league leaders there. Throw in Lindgren who is a different type of physical player.
At forward, Cuylle leads all LW's in hits with 182. Kreider at 33 among all LW's. Add Trocheck who is 12th among all Centers. Goodrow who is 18th among all Centers. Rempe has only 3 games under his belt but has 22 in those 3 games. Edstrom only with 6 games has 19. In a full season, Rempe would likely lead the league there.
In a physical playoff series, i think this matters. Big physical forwards who DON'T lack skating ability can wear down the opposition. With guys that can play this style is going to get into the heads of opposing defenseman.
I think this was Drurys initial concept when he came aboard. A big physical team that can skate with anyone to complement a balanced group of players who can put the puck in the net.
The question is...can the core continue to score the big goals when the games matter. Will they continue to play bigger, when they have the physical guys to back them up?
