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,

The Garden roared with excitement, New York Rangers players celebrated with joy and for the first time in a long time, it felt like there was hope for the Blueshirts. Sam Carrick’s overtime goal propelled the Rangers to an emotional 3-2 overtime victory over the New Jersey Devils.

The New York Rangers didn't have to fend for themselves without their prized goaltender for long. Igor Shesterkin is set to return to the cage on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden after missing four games to an upper-body injury per NHL insider Elliotte Friedman.

Shesterkin made 21 saves — including 11 in the first period — and allowed the Rangers’ offense enough time to win the game in OT.

The Vegas Golden Knights are anticipating that leading goal scorer Ivan Barbashev will return to game action on Saturday against the New York Rangers.

Ivan Barbashev’s absence has thrown off the Golden Knights’ lineup more than Bruce Cassidy would have liked. Injuries happen, and the coach understands that it’s his job to find the right line combinations.

The Golden Knights will likely activate winger Ivan Barbashev off injured reserve before Saturday’s game against the Rangers after he was a full participant in practice on Friday, SinBin.vegas reports.