This one was expected. Following last night’s game against the Devils, Rangers’ forward Matt Rempe had a phone hearing earlier today with the Department of Player Safety for his illegal hit on Jonas Siegenthaler.

The league came down hard on Rempe by suspending him four games for elbowing Siegenthaler in the head during the second period. Although it’s the first time in his young career that he’s faced discipline, perhaps the recent history played a role in the decision.

On Feb. 22, Rempe delivered an illegal check to the head of Nathan Bastian. Considering it was the same opponent, and Siegenthaler left last night’s game with an upper-body injury, that had to be a factor in why he received four games.

If there’s a complaint with League VP of DOPS George Parros’ decision, it would be that there’s no consistency. When it comes to dangerous hits like the one Rempe had on Siegenthaler, Parros has proven in the past that he isn’t as tough on more established players. There have been predatory hits worse than Rempe’s that didn’t get as much punishment.

If it feels like they’re picking on Rempe due to him being a rookie in the league with 10 games of NHL experience, that’s because it seems that way. Why should he be made an example of while other more experienced players with bad reputations get a slap on the wrist?

It looks like a double standard has been applied to Rempe. This isn’t to say that he doesn’t deserve what he got. Simply put, he can’t make those kinds of dangerous hits and skate free. He’s a big, strong forward who plays on the edge.

The bottom line is that Rempe will need to make an adjustment to how he finishes his checks. He can hit hard without getting ejected and suspended. He’s only 21. It’s all part of the learning process.

Perhaps the time off can benefit him. He can watch video of the hits and learn from his mistakes. A popular player who teammates like, Rempe can get advice on what to do better.

When he stays within the rules, he’s a very effective player. That’s been evident in how he forechecks and goes to the net to create havoc for opposing goalies. It was his faceoff win and screen on Kaapo Kahkonen that led to Erik Gustafsson scoring the winner in the Rangers’ 3-1 victory over the Devils on Monday night.

Rempe will be ineligible to play tonight versus the Hurricanes. He’ll also miss games against the Lightning, Penguins, and Islanders. He won’t be able to return to the lineup until next Tuesday, Mar. 19 when the Rangers take on the Jets.

The Rangers take on the Hurricanes at 7 EST later. Jonny Brodzinski will be inserted on the fourth line, replacing Rempe.