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Derek Stepan’s value and importance to the Rangers is immeasurable

Bobby Bevilacqua

derek-stepan-full-body-profile-11-21

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Despite an awful first period and sub-par games from many of the Rangers’ players last night, the character and resolve from the team was there as they erased two separate two-goal deficits and scored three unanswered to pick up a win. It was simultaneously lucky and a character building win at that.

Two players had a huge part in the come-from-behind effort; Nick Holden scored two goals and was the best defensive player on the ice, continuing his resurgence from the start of the season and giving him six goals and 18 points this season – that’s more than Oliver-Ekman Larsson, Drew Doughty and P.K. Subban.

Derek Stepan was the other guy who played a huge role in the win last night. Recently, he’s been criticized by fans for not being a consistent performer, not living up to his contract, and perhaps worthy of a trade. But in reality, Derek Stepan is one of the most valuable and important pieces to this team. Read the rest of this entry

Raanta, Stepan secure two points for the Rangers in Toronto; McDonagh hurt

Alexandra Russo

Antti Raanta pad save 2-18

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

After one of the Rangers’ (33-19-6) most disappointing losses of the season, a 5-3 loss to the Blackhawks to conclude a three game homestand, they swept the three game season series by beating Toronto (20-27-9) by a final score of 4-2 in Toronto.

The Leafs started out strong, as it appeared the Rangers were slow out of the gate. The Rangers had a chance when Ryan McDonagh made some nifty moves and nearly put the puck past Bernier.  The Maple Leafs came down the other way, and a shot from the point was deflected by a Ranger, and landed at the skates of Parenteau and ended up in the net. After much review to see if there was a kicking motion, the call on the ice stood, and the Leafs took a one goal lead.

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