The real story is Shesterkin’s 164:03 shutout streak, dating back to the opening minute of the second period in Salt Lake City last week. The Rangers are playing so much better in front of their goalies this month that their numbers are bound to be better, but Shesterkin is also very much on point after his brief absence at the start of January.

Rempe flashed off a nifty little backhand shovel move to score his first NHL goal since the 2024 playoff series against the Washington Capitals. Fans at Madison Square Garden erupted in response and chants of ‘Rempe, Rempe’ rang loud across the world’s most famous arena.

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.

Despite the skirmish, Shesterkin completed the game with 20 saves, earning his second consecutive shutout. Alexis Lafreniere, Will Cuylle, Arthur Kaliyev, Artemi Panarin, and Rempe all scored for the Rangers. Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette brushed off the incident as part of the game.