Beating the New Jersey Devils for the first time this season, the New York Rangers defeated their Hudson River rival in a 3-2 overtime thriller on Thursday, Jan. 9th.
The Rangers now improve to sixth in the Metropolitan Division with 40 points, improving their record to 19-20-2.
Let's breakdown exactly how the Rangers got their latest win with four key takeaways from the matchup.
1. A Successful Start to 2025
After what appeared to be a disaster of a 2024-25 season, it seems things are beginning to look up for the Rangers.
On Jan. 9th, NHL fans saw a well-played hockey game all around. The Rangers have recently earned three of four possible points against Dallas and New Jersey.
Artemi Panarin, also known as "the Breadman," recorded a goal in the second period to tie the game up at 2-2. The scored remained until the Rangers eventually claimed the win in overtime.
“Wins always give you confidence. It doesn’t matter [how you] win. Even if you play bad, which we weren’t doing tonight," Panarin said postgame. "We were playing great I think.”
2. Matt Rempe Returns
Fan-favorite forward enforcer Matt Rempe finally saw his return to the ice. He was previously suspended for eight games for eight games by the NHL Department of Player Safety during play against the Dallas Stars.
Rempe logged 11 shifts for a TOI of 7:47. The 6'9", 255 pound player even made New Jersey defenseman Luke Hughes hit the ice without even touching him. Interestingly enough, the Rangers are now 17-4-2 all-time with Matt Rempe in the lineup.
3. Adam Fox's Goal
Adam Fox opened the scoring of the game at 12:05 in the first period. Vincent Trocheck was credited with the assist, but there was something interesting about this goal from No. 23.
In Fact, Fox's slapshot actually perfectly snapped Johnathan Kovacevic's stick in half amidst the goal.
4. The OT Celebration
Sam Carrick was the hero of Thursday night's matchup. As overtime play started — at only 2:48 in — center Carrick recorded a snap shot (assisted by Reilly Smith) secured the game for New York. This was his first career overtime winner.
While this was a great moment for Carrick all in its own, what was really special was finally seeing the Rangers celebrate a win as a group at Madison Square Garden.
ive missed this so bad pic.twitter.com/RIgrtpxaan
— bret hart respecter (@jonmoxIeys) January 10, 2025
This now improves the Rangers record in 2025 to 3-1-1. Hopefully for Blueshirt fans, the Rangers can continue to build on the success the new year has seemingly brought them.