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 Devils earned a point, but lost for the first time this season against the New York Rangers in a 3-2 overtime setback at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night. The Devils are now 2-0-1 against their rival this season.

And if you were looking for potential heroes in the extra session for the Rangers, Sam Carrick probably wouldn’t have been high on the list.

Sam Carrick scored in overtime and Igor Shesterkin made 21 saves as the New York Rangers beat the New Jersey Devils 3-2 on Thursday night. Carrick one-timed a pass from Reilly Smith past Devils netminder Jacob Markstrom 2:48 into the extra session.