A former NHL defenseman has taken a shot at a New York Rangers fan-favorite enforcer as he officially returns to the lineup following his eight-game suspension.

The New York Rangers recalled their six-foot-eight yard-dog forward Matt Rempe on Tuesday from the AHL Hartford Wolfpack after having served an eight-game suspension. He is officially eligible to return against the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.

Matt Rempe’s presence was felt in the New York Rangers’ 3-2 overtime win over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night. The crowd erupted when Rempe stepped on the ice for the first time following a lengthy eight-game suspension.

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 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.