Derek Stepan out indefinitely with broken ribs (Video)
New York Rangers center Derek Stepan will be out indefinitely with broken ribs after getting boarded by Boston Bruins forward Matt Beleskey on Friday.
The New York Rangers suffered a painful loss to the Boston Bruins on Friday in more ways than one. Not only did they lose a heartbreaker, 4-3, but center Derek Stepan broke several of his ribs after being boarded by Bruins forward Matt Beleskey during the second period. He played for the rest for the period but did not take a shift after the intermission. After the game, Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault announced that Stepan will be out indefinitely.
#NYR Injury Update: AV says that @DerekStepan21 broke some ribs and is out indefinitely
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 27, 2015
The hit occurred in the Rangers defensive zone after Stepan made a pass up the ice. Beleskey hit him in the boards awkwardly. The hit was a little bit late, but Stepan did a very poor job of bracing for the impact.
Beleskey did not receive a penalty for the hit itself. However, he did get a five minute major for fighting Rangers defenseman Dylan McIlrath. McIlrath got five minutes for fighting and an instigator misconduct for fighting Beleskey.
“I just think he didn’t think I was going to hit him,” Beleskey said, via NHL.com. “He kind of didn’t brace himself. I didn’t take any extra strides. Maybe a little bit late, but he saw me coming. I came from in front. It’s unfortunate, I think … he’s hurt, so hopefully he’s all right.”
Beleskey is not expected to receive any supplemental discipline for his hit on Derek Stepan.
No supplemental discipline expected for Beleskey regarding his hit on Stepan.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) November 28, 2015
It remains to be seen how the Rangers will replace Stepan, who has 12 points in 23 games this season. They will likely lean on center Kevin Hayes.