The Matt Rempe show returns to Toronto on Saturday night. The 6-foot-7 Calgarian has two points, 32 penalty minutes, and three fights in six games, with one ejection for an illegal check to the head. He’s either beating someone up or being beaten up, and he’s soaking up the attention that comes with Slap Shot’s turn-the-clock back shenanigans.
“You see all the highlights, he’s coming in trying to make a name for himself in any way he can,” said Ryan Reaves, 36, the Leafs’ bodyguard. “That’s how I entered. I wasn’t brought up to bring scoring ability; instead, I was asked to be physical, stand up for teammates, and draw some energy. Good for him; he’s getting some attention. Let’s see how long this lasts.
“I don’t have the game script, but you never know,” the mischievous response.
Reaves did say Rempe’s reach would be difficult, but nothing he hadn’t seen before. He was obviously prepared when O’Brien stalked him.
“I prefer to fight calmly. Some guys want to go all out, but those are the bouts that make me want to kill someone. You have to be cool and witness the struggle. But I don’t go into a game thinking, ‘I’ll fight for sure tomorrow.
“Sleeping after a fight is the worst.” The pain is secondary to the adrenaline. Fighting may be exhausting, especially if you haven’t done it in a long time, let alone three times in a row. It takes a toll.
For Leafs banged up the traditional way — by heavy checks, shot blocks and the like — their ranks are still a bit thin.
Defensemen Timothy Liljegren and Conor Timmins have not returned to the main practice group, but newcomer Ilya Lyubushkin is anticipated to enter Saturday’s roster. Head coach Sheldon Keefe does not rule out Liljegren returning from an unexplained injury.
Winger Calle Jarnkrok practiced on the third line with John Tavares on Friday, as he prepares to return from breaking a knuckle early last month, potentially bumping Nick Robertson from that unit in favor of Bobby McMann.
“They’ve played well in the minutes (Jarnkrok) left, but you do miss him,” he remarked. “He adds a lot to our squad with his versatility; he plays special teams, 5-on-5, and rises up in the lineup. When he returns, he will face difficult decisions.
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