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.

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.

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.