Controversial

Matt Rempe has become the most polarizing player in the Rangers-Capitals playoff series, despite limited ice time. The 6-foot-7 rookie forward is a fan favorite at home for his physical, hard-hitting style but a villain on the road drawing the ire of opponents. His hit on Trevor van Riemsdyk in Game 3 that knocked the Capitals defenseman out epitomizes Rempe’s play - straddling the line between clean, physical hockey and crossing over into illegal territory.

In a night of high drama, Aston Villa’s Argentine goalkeeper Emi Martinez etched his name into European folklore with a controversial yet heroic performance against Lille in the Europa Conference League quarter-finals. Despite being booked twice, Martinez stayed on the pitch and ultimately proved to be the shootout hero, saving the decisive penalty to send Villa into the semi-finals. The incident that set tongues wagging occurred during the tense penalty shootout, which followed a pulsating 3-3 aggregate scoreline after extra time.