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 was breaking straight to the net and received a beautiful feed from Adam Edstrom right on his stick, going forehand to backhand, lifting the puck up and in past Senators' goalie Anton Forsberg. The Garden was buzzing for Rempe, who recorded only his second goal in 29 career games for the organization.

A Rangers defense that was so shaky just a few weeks ago is suddenly rock-solid and Peter Laviolette gives credit to the team’s new additions on the blueline, Will Borgen and Ur

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.

The 6-9 forward finished serving his eight-game suspension and is eligible to return Thursday against the Devils.

Rangers forward Matt Rempe made a sobering admission before his return from an eye-opening eight-game suspension.

Matt Rempe scored his first goal of the season in the New York Rangers’ Tuesday night game against the Ottawa Senators. MATT REMPE WITH AN ABSOLUTE BEAUTY 🚨 pic.twitter.com/5BbB4OkLkQ — B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) January 22,