“(Video) “Manhandled that bum” –  Fans TROLL Matt Rempe for getting ‘dog walked’ by Arber Xhekaj in heavy-weight fight

Matt Rempe and Arber Xhekaj heat up Sunday evening with a heavy-weight tilt during the Rangers vs. Canadiens game.

“(Video) “Manhandled that bum” –  Fans TROLL Matt Rempe for getting ‘dog walked’ by Arber Xhekaj in heavy-weight fight

Arber Xhekaj vs. Matt Rempe [Image Credit: Habs Eyes on the Prize/X/Fox News]

Matt Rempe and Arber Xhekaj heated up Bell Center on Sunday evening with a heavy-weight tilt during the game between the New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens fans were pumped up as Xhekaj won the bout and absolutely owned the rookie center.

The incident took place during the second period of the Rangers 5-4 loss to the Canadiens. The 22-year-old initiated the fight early on but later couldn’t keep up with the veteran’s skills. Canadiens defenceman Arber Xhekaj delivered tough blows to Matt Rempe until the center fell on the ice.

YouTube video

The Montreal crowd was on their feet as they celebrated Xhekaj’s win. He pumped his fists in the air to hype up the crowd more as the official escorted him for a timeout.

FS Video

Xhekaj is one of the top NHL fighters and the only two people to whom he surrendered a fight were – LA Kings forward Tanner Jeannot, and Colombus Blue Jackets winger Mathieu Olivier. It was his fourth fight of the ongoing season.

As for Matt Rempe, it was his first fight of 2025 and his fourth in the season. He recently joined the team following his eight-game suspension due to an illegal hit on Dallas Stars defenceman Miro Heiskanen. 

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During his suspension, Rempe spent some time in the AHL correcting his stance on the ice and managing his fights in a reasonable way. Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette said he has faith in Rempe and will find a way to best utilize his play style during on-ice games.

Social media reacts to Matt Rempe vs. Arber Xhekaj fight

Prior to Sunday evening’s fight, Montreal Canadiens defenceman Arber Xhekaj refused to take on Toronto Maple Leafs winger Ryan Reaves in a fight. Even with Reaves challenging him Xhekaj turned around wanting no part of it.

Matt Rempe vs. Arber Xhekaj
Matt Rempe vs. Arber Xhekaj [Image Credit: Habs Eyes on the Prize]

His refusal may have fueled the Leafs’ comeback win from a 3-0 deficit to a 7-3 win. However, that was not the case on Sunday as Xhekaj made sure to put down Matt Rempe in his place.

Social media brutally trolled Rempe for getting rag-dolled after initiating the fight. One commented, “Xhekaj manhandled that bum,” while another noted, “Rempe got dog walked.” Check more fan reactions below:

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Following Sunday’s closure, the NY Rangers currently carry on a 22-20-4 record while listing as fifth in the Metropolitan Division. With their latest scores and losses, it seems unlikely that they’ll be part of the 2025 Stanley Cup contention.