Matt Rempe returned to the New York Rangers lineup Tuesday night in a 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. After being a healthy scratch for six consecutive games following the season-opening loss in Boston, the 24-year-old forward replaced Jaroslav Chmelar on the right wing of the fourth line.

Head coach Mike Sullivan acknowledged that Rempe’s ice time was limited, totaling just over three and a half minutes due to the nature of the game. Sullivan noted that his initial plan was to give the fourth line more minutes but adjustments during the game, including strategic matchups, power-play and penalty-kill rotations, and protecting a late lead, influenced his decision to shorten the bench.

In his time on the ice, Rempe made a notable impact, including dropping the gloves against Tampa Bay’s Jeff Viel. Sullivan described Rempe’s contribution as solid despite the small window to play, emphasizing that such limited usage is unlikely to be routine but was dictated by circumstances during the game.

Rempe, who missed the majority of last season due to two thumb surgeries, reported his thumb was fully healed following his first game back on September 29. The forward faces a roster dilemma, as he would be required to pass through waivers if reassigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack, making the Rangers cautious about keeping him sidelined for extended periods. Sullivan suggested that future lineup decisions between Rempe and Chmelar would be based on matchup considerations, with Chmelar having seen more consistent action during the Rangers’ recent five-game winning streak.

Meanwhile, Pavel Dorofeyev, who has registered only one goal through eight games, addressed questions about scoring pressure. He stated that he remains focused on contributing in ways beyond goal scoring, aiming to help the team win through overall play rather than point production alone.

The Rangers’ coaching staff has also adjusted their power-play unit, with Sullivan alternating Dorofeyev and Gabe Perreault depending on game circumstances. Perreault replaced Dorofeyev on the top power-play unit in Tuesday’s game, continuing a trend started in the previous matchup against Vancouver. Despite four power-play opportunities against the Lightning, the Rangers did not convert any goals.

Following the win, the Rangers are scheduled to practice Wednesday before facing the New Jersey Devils in Newark on Thursday.