When the New York Rangers visit the Detroit Red Wings later tonight to complete a home and home series, it’ll be the same lineup from Monday night’s 4-1 home win. That’ll exclude Matt Rempe. He’ll be a healthy scratch for the third time in four games.

If there’s been something to question Rangers coach Peter Laviolette on, it’s the lack of confidence he’s shown in Rempe so far. The one game he played was against the Utah Hockey Club last Saturday, Oct. 12. The 22-year-old rookie forward received only 3:40 of ice time while playing on the fourth line. When asked about it, Laviolette mentioned that he went down to three lines following the automatic ejection of Adam Edstrom for fighting after Sam Carrick.

In a high scoring game that saw the Rangers chase the game, it was an understandable explanation. Laviolette felt like going with his best nine forwards. It paid off thanks to Will Cuylle, who had an Adam Fox rebound carom off him to force overtime. Utah HC took it in overtime. At least they earned a point.

When Rempe doesn’t play, it’s dependable veteran Jonny Brodzinski, who is more trusted by Laviolette. Brodzinski is a versatile depth forward. He can sub in for Carrick on faceoffs. There’s nothing wrong with him playing on the fourth line. He knows how to play the game.

The question is what kind of checking line is better suited for the Blueshirts over the long haul. A line featuring Edstrom, Carrick, and Rempe is capable of bringing a heavy forecheck along with physicality. Throw in the size factor. They’d be a handful for opponents to deal with next spring.

When Jimmy Vesey becomes eligible to return to the lineup, he’ll likely replace Brodzinski. Unless Edstrom’s play slips, he should remain in. Vesey can play the right side. He also doubles as an effective penalty killer. He’s a good defensive forward who can contribute offensively. Once he’s healthy, a checking line consisting of Edstrom, Carrick, and Vesey should be effective at even strength.

If Rempe isn’t going to play, then why keep him up with the big club? Until Vesey comes off long-term injured reserve (LTIR), Rempe probably will remain with the team. Brett Berard is also an option. The Hartford Wolf Pack just began their season. Berard scored a goal in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on Oct. 12. Brennan Othmann recorded two assists in the game. Both are expected to remain in the American Hockey League (AHL) to continue their development. Each is in their second pro season.

The Rangers know what Rempe brings to the table. Even in a reduced role, he’ll get his jersey dirty. The six-foot nine, 255-pound Calgary native parked himself directly in front of Utah HC goalie Connor Ingram. Victor Mancini thought he had his first career NHL goal. However, it was immediately waved off due to interference. Replays showed that Rempe didn’t make contact with Ingram. Rather, Ingram came out and created it. A video review confirmed it was incidental contact with the goalie due to Rempe’s skate being in the blue paint.

If this all seems confusing, join the club. Are we back in 1999 when players weren’t allowed to have any part of their bodies in the crease? Unless your name was Brett Hull in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Incidental contact is in the rulebook. It isn’t used as often. The complex nature of goalie interference remains a gray area. It’s a judgment call. That is up to the referee to determine. There’s two, plus two linesmen. You also have Toronto when coaches challenge calls, like Laviolette did. If the goalie initiates the contact, they don’t get penalized. Similar to NFL quarterbacks, they’re protected at all costs by the NHL.

Rempe only appeared in 17 games last season. He made a name for himself by battling heavyweights around the league and earning respect. But he also showed an ability to get in on the forecheck and wreak havoc. Rempe doesn’t want to be known as anomaly. He wants to become a full-time regular who can take a regular shift. Teammates love his energy. They seemed to feed off it. The Rangers went 14-2-1 with Rempe in the lineup. In the postseason, he appeared in 11 games, including four in the Eastern Conference Final. The Rangers went 8-3.

There’s something to be said for that. If a young player can have a positive impact, why not play him more? It’s a dicey situation. Rempe’s popularity is through the roof. He became a fan favorite in quick fashion. Fans love the underdog story. Rempe is a 2020 sixth round pick who was a longshot. The organization saw enough to bring him up last season.

Rempe didn’t have the best camp. He was outplayed by Edstrom, who earned a starting spot. Edstrom is a different player. He’s a better skater with a bit more scoring touch. However, when he was asked how he learned to fight last week, he playfully pointed at Rempe in the locker room.

Rempe even has a commercial out for Body Armor. His infectious personality is a home run. What’s not to like? He really enjoys what he does.

When will we see Rempe again? That depends on what Laviolette decides. The Rangers also visit Toronto and Montreal as part of a three-game road trip. Maybe he gets to face the Maple Leafs on Hockey Night In Canada. At the moment, it’s game to game. Eventually, he’ll be sent back down. That’ll be best for his development.