"Ask Rempe to learn hockey" "NOT saving franchise": NHL fans react as K'Andre Miller & Matt Rempe tangle in practice to sharpen tilt skills

NHL fans had mixed reactions after a video showed New York Rangers defenseman K'Andre Miller and center Matt Rempe working on their tilt skills. Tilt skills are techniques used in fights to stay balanced and control positioning, and they are helpful in landing effective punches.

Rempe, known for his physical play, has earned a reputation as the "Suspension King of the League." He has been criticized for delivering hits that can be seen as dangerous. In December, he served the sixth game of an eight-game suspension for elbowing and boarding Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen. Many fans believe Rempe focuses too much on physicality rather than skill.

B/R Open Ice shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) saying,

"K'Andre Miller and Matt Rempe practicing their tilt skills."

Fans reacted strongly, with many commenting on Rempe’s aggressive style.

"Ask Rempe to learn hockey first," one fan posted.

"This is NOT saving their franchise," another fan commented.

"They should be teaching Matt Rempe how to make a clean hit," one X user said.

Here are some more reactions from fans on X.

"Unfortunately K’Andre prefers spitting in people’s faces over fighting," a fan said.

"lol Rangers actually going to keep him up. No wonder they suck this season," a fan commented.

"I love Miller, but like the rest of the team is really struggling this year. Guess fighting is something, especially when you’re not scoring or keeping the puck out of your own net," a fan tweeted.

New York Rangers defeated Boston Bruins 2-1 in Matt Rempe's absence

The New York Rangers beat the Boston Bruins 2-1 at Madison Square Garden on Thursday amid Matt Rempe's suspension. Jonathan Quick made 32 saves, earning his 399th NHL win. Coach Peter Laviolette praised the team's energy in the second period.

"I do think that we would put up shots and chances in the second period," Laviolette told the media. ... "So it was nice just to come over and grab that energy in the building. I mean to get that lead and then try to work off of that. I do think it's important."

Mika Zibanejad scored the first goal at 9:48 of the first period, It was his 700th NHL point. Brett Berard added another goal at 12:53. Elias Lindholm made it 2-1 in the second period.

Quick made 12 saves in the third period to secure the win.

“We played a great team game,” Quick said (via NHL.com). “Especially in the third period, we did a good job of keeping them to the outside, keeping them to the perimeter, zone time, killing clock. Huge two points for us.”

The Rangers will look for consistency heading into a game with the Washington Capitals on Friday.