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.

The New York Rangers’ trip to Montreal to face the Canadiens on Sunday featured no shortage of drama, highlighted by an overtime ending and a heavyweight fight between enforcers Matt Rempe and Arber Xhekaj.

Igor Shesterkin made 20 saves, Alexis Lafreniere had a goal and an assist and the New York Rangers beat the Ottawa Senators 5-0 on Tuesday night. Arthur Kaliyev, Matt Rempe, Artemi Panarin and Will Cuylle also scored for the Rangers, who are 7-1-3 since Jan. 2 and have won three straight at home.