It was the GIF seen ’round the Rangers’ world late Saturday afternoon and through the 48 hours following the club’s 5-4 Game 5 overtime defeat in Ottawa, where Derek Stepan came off the bench during the final TV timeout of the first period and skated to Henrik Lundqvist’s crease while motioning for the goaltender to “relax” before No. 30 yelled back at the center.

“I got texts after the game telling me it was on social media, and I went right to Hank to tell him I was sorry if it was being blown out of proportion,” Stepan told The Post following Monday’s practice in advance of Tuesday’s potential elimination Game 6 against the Senators at the Garden. “He said to just forget it.

“I was just telling him to relax and focus on his game. He told me to wake the guys up on the bench and get them going. I think we were both on the same page there as far as us needing to be better.

“By no means was it us arguing or going at each other,” said No. 21. “We understand each other. We’ve been together a long time. We both want the same result.”

Lundqvist walks an emotional tightrope during games. He often can be seen chastising teammates during fits of frustration. It appeared as if he was barking at Brady Skjei, perhaps among others, before play was stopped at 16:43 with the Blueshirts about to go on a power play while holding a 2-1 lead.

“It’s intense. It’s emotional. It’s competitive. We’re playing hockey,” Lundqvist told The Post. “Things like that happen so many times during the year, but maybe people aren’t aware of that, so it looks like more than it is.

“We’re trying to get each other going. I think that’s important. It’s more like, ‘Come on, let’s go.’ It’s not personal. It’s part of the game.

“I personally kind of like it.”