Rangers Confirm Derek Stepan's Return For Saturday Night

Rangers Confirm Derek Stepan’s Return For Saturday Night

May 29, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Montreal Canadiens center David Desharnais (51) handles the puck against New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) during the third period in game six of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

The New York Rangers have activated Derek Stepan off injured reserve for game against Maple Leafs

After going down in the preseason with a broken fibula, the New York Rangers have announced that centerman Derek Stepan is poised to make his return.

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Stepan has practiced on a line with Chris Krieder and Mats Zuccarello, in hopes of renewing his chemistry with Krieder from the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs in addition to sparking last year’s points leader, Zuccarello. the Norwegian skater finished last season with fifty-nine points, but has only netted one goal and four assists for October and the first week of November.

The Rangers have struggled without their number one center on the ice, although they currently sit in third place in the lackluster Metropolitan Division. Seven of the eight metro teams have been slow out of the gate, with only the Pittsburgh Penguins truly keeping up across the league. The way points are looking at the moment, the Atlantic Division could bring five teams into the postseason this year- while someone like the Rangers, New Jersey Devils, or Philadelphia Flyers sit at home and watch on.

Obviously, Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault hopes that the return of Stepan will turn the team’s momentum around, giving the league a chance to glimpse last year’s Stanley Cup finalists once more.

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