"Such a worthless bum", "Complete cheap shot": NHL fans berate Matt Rempe for ramming into Jake Neighbours

The New York Rangers recalled Matt Rempe to their lineup on Monday morning. Known for his physical play, the 6'9" forward had 71 penalty minutes in 17 games during the 2023-24 season. However, his actions in Monday night’s game against the St. Louis Blues upset many NHL fans.

In the third period, Matt Rempe hit Jake Neighbours with a controversial play. With the puck nowhere near, Rempe drove his arms into Neighbours’ face, knocking him to the ice.

The hit drew a roughing penalty and quickly became a topic of debate online. Gino Hard posted on X (formerly Twitter):

"Matt Rempe goes off for roughing after he runs over Jake Neighbours with the puck nowhere in sight."

Following Matt Rempe's incident, fans quickly reacted to it on X.

“Dude is such a worthless bum,” a fan said.

"Complete cheap shot," a fan commented.

"This guy is so useless," one fan said.

Many viewed the hit as unnecessary and unsportsmanlike. Here are some more reactions from fans on X.

"Nah suspend him for that… that’s fu**ing ridiculous," a fan tweeted.

"Looks like he’s looking behind the guy then realized there was a guy right in front of him and braced. Either way no good lol," a fan commented.

"This dude is absolutely terrible. Be a goon all you want but he can’t play hockey," a fan said.

Matt Rempe was also seen boarding Nathan Walker during the game:

Matt Rempe and Rangers lost to St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues won 5-2 against the New York Rangers on Monday in Jim Montgomery’s first game as coach. Montgomery, hired Sunday to replace Drew Bannister, got a win in his debut.

Montgomery praised his team’s offense.

"I loved our effort," Montgomery said per NHL.com, "Our execution offensively was really good."

The Rangers scored first at 8:47 in the first period when Will Cuylle deflected a shot into the net. The Blues tied it at 11:45. Brayden Schenn stole the puck, and passed to Jordan Kyrou, who scored with a one-timer.

In the second period, Zack Bolduc scored at 4:30, firing a loose puck past Igor Shesterkin. The Rangers tied it 2-2 at 7:20 when Cuylle scored his second goal from a Zibanejad pass.

Schenn gave the Blues a 3-2 lead in the third with a breakaway goal at 1:12. Bolduc added another goal at 8:25, scoring off a rebound. Pavel Buchnevich sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 17:15.

Joel Hofer made 27 saves for the Blues, who outshot the Rangers 43-29. Cuylle scored both goals for New York, and Shesterkin made 38 saves.