New York Rangers rookie Matt Lempe set the tone for his team from the start in a 4-1 win in Game 1 against the Washington Capitals on Sunday afternoon.
Lempe scored the team’s first goal in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The goal came in the second period. And before anyone knew it, by the time the game entered the second intermission, the Rangers were up 3-0.
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Matt Lempe of the New York Rangers appears during the third period of Game 1 of the first round of their playoff series against the Washington Capitals on April 21, 2024 in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
The forward, who has become a fan favorite over the past year, heard his name chanted throughout Madison Square Garden. It seemed to further amplify his performance and give him the confidence to do it again throughout the rest of the postseason, as long as the Rangers were around.
“I know my game, I know I can skate well and I’m physical,” Lempe said, according to ESPN. “It’s a real pain to play low and protect the puck and go to the net. I think it will be,” he said. “I think we’re built for the playoffs. I think that’s where you want to play in the playoffs. And I was happy with how tonight went.”
Rempe not only caught the attention of Garden fans, but he also gained even more faith in veteran head coach Peter Laviolette.
The New York Rangers celebrate their victory after winning Game 1 of the first round of their playoff series against the Washington Capitals on April 21, 2024 in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
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“It was a big goal to put energy into the building, and maybe he put a little more energy into the building,” Laviolette said. “And then right after that we were able to score another goal. That was the turning point of the game.”
Rempe’s score came off the stick of Jimmy Vesey, who also scored in the second period.
“(Rempe’s) goal sent the fans into a frenzy, and we scored two more goals in the next few minutes,” Vesey said. “He’s definitely going to bring the crowd into the game and as a team with home ice advantage, we’re going to try to feed off of the crowd’s energy.”
Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider also scored for the Rangers.
Jimmy Oshie (left) of the New York Rangers fights for the puck with TJ Oshie (left) of the Washington Capitals and Dylan McIlras during the first period of Game 1 of the NHL Hockey Stanley Cup First Round Playoff Series, Sunday, April 21, 2024. Vessy (center) in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Washington’s Martin Fehevary included the Capitals in the second period.
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Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night in New York.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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