The Rangers’ recent five-game uptick has been a promising sign for the wildly disappointing team that’s in danger of going from the Eastern Conference final last season to sitting out the playoffs this year.

It wasn’t perfect by any means, but the New York Rangers found a way to get a badly-needed two points at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night. Unlikely hero Sam Carrick potted the game-winner at the 2:48 mark of overtime in a 3-2 win over the New Jersey Devils,

And Rempe acknowledged another violation could lead to a “huge suspension,” forcing him to confront the daunting challenge of embracing his physicality — the strength that helped him carve out a marginal role in the first place and become a fan favorite after debuting last February — while preventing it from becoming reckless.

Rangers enforcer Matt Rempe is fresh off an eight-game suspension and spoke about his midset as he comes back.

The New York Rangers recalled their six-foot-eight yard-dog forward Matt Rempe on Tuesday from the AHL Hartford Wolfpack after having served an eight-game suspension. He is officially eligible to return against the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.