News:Derek Stepan scored the game-winning goal in Wednesday's 4-3 win over Washington.
Analysis: After being shutout in the first two games of the series, Derek Stepan has goals in back-to-back games now. It's no surprise his regular season production has tailed over into the post season. More importantly for the Rangers, Stepan has three game-winning goals in his last five games overall and 13 total on the season.
News:Derek Stepan lit the lamp for the Game 3 winner against the Capitals on Monday.
Analysis: This is Derek Stepan's first point in these playoffs, but it comes after 44 points during the regular season as he took his game to another level.
News:Derek Stepan registered a goal and an assist in Saturday's 4-0 win over the Devils.
Analysis:Derek Stepan finished an excellent season on a high note, bringing his totals to 18 goals and 26 assists in 48 games. He has yet to miss a game in his three-year career, and his raw numbers did not decline much, even with the lockout-shortened schedule. On a per-game basis, 2012-13 was easily Stepan's finest fantasy campaign to date. He enters the playoffs healthy and in top form.
News:Derek Stepan opened the scoring and registered an assist and four shots on goal in a 4-3 overtime win over Carolina on Thursday night.
Analysis: This April (seven goals, 10 assists in 13 games) has by far been the most fruitful for the third-year center. If not for Derek Stepan's 42 points in 47 games this season, the Rangers would most likely not have punched their ticket to the playoffs. The real question going forward will be whether he can carry his production forward for a run at Lord Stanley's cup.
News:Derek Stepan registered a goal and an assist in Sunday's 4-1 win over New Jersey.
Analysis: While his face-off work (5-of-14 won) was a bit of a concern, the center just keeps on chugging, netting his fifth multi-point game of the month and ninth of the season. Derek Stepan has six goals and nine assists through 11 games this month.
News:Derek Stepan nabbed another two assists in the Rangers' 8-4 rout of Buffalo on Friday.
Analysis: What's more impressive? Derek Stepan's five goals and eight assists through 10 games, or the Rangers' 7-2-1 record this month? As we've noted all season, when this kid goes, so does Broadway. He is now amongst the top 30 players for scoring in the NHL this season.
News:Derek Stepan had an assist in Thursday's 6-1 victory over Florida
Analysis: Through nine games this month, that's five goals and six assists for the third-year center. Derek Stepan and the Rangers are right back in action Friday when they take on Buffalo. In four games this season, he has tallied a goal and four assists when playing in the second half of back-to-back nights.
News:Derek Stepan picked up his 15th goal in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Flyers.
Analysis: It was a big goal at the time, drawing the Rangers within one in the third period. Derek Stepan's been on a hot streak since the start of April, totaling 10 points in his last eight games.
News:Derek Stepan had an assist in Wednesday night's 3-2 shootout win over Toronto.
Analysis: This extends the his point-streak to six games. A combination of Derek Stepan's production and Brad Richards' recent slump has earned him number-one center minutes and Stepan has responded. The third year center, who has yet to go more than three consecutive games without a points, has 34 points (14 goals and 19 assists) in 40 games this season.
News:Derek Stepan (plus-1) had a goal and an assist in a 4-3 loss to the Maple Leafs on Monday night.
Analysis: It's a big loss for the team, but he extends his point streak to five games. Derek Stepan has had one of the NHL's biggest breakout seasons. It's unlikely he's available in your league, but as long as the Rangers continue the goal scoring pace, he should average a point per game or better for the rest of the season.
News:Derek Stepan scored a power-play goal and added an even-strength assist in the Rangers' 4-1 victory over the Hurricanes on Saturday. He now has six points (three goals, three assists) on his current four-game point streak.
Analysis: He's sitting at 31 points in 38 games this season, a pace that would have netted him a 67-point season in a regular 82-game sked. He's developing into a strong second-line centerman, particularly with his extended stats in plus-minus and hits. Next up? Improving his face-off performance even more (he's winning 47.1 percent this year).
News:Derek Stepan notched an assist on the Rangers' lone goal in Friday's shootout loss to Pittsburgh.
Analysis:Derek Stepan has four points over the last three games and is in the midst of one of the best point-per-game paces in his career. If coach John Tortorella sticks with Stepan as the team's top-line center between Rick Nash and Ryan Callahan, this scoring pace could continue.
News:Derek Stepan had an assist in a 6-1 win over Pittsburgh on Wednesday night.
Analysis: It hasn't happened much this season, but the Rangers' offense exploded and Derek Stepan was barely on the score sheet. After the arrival of new parts in the lineup, head coach John Tortorella used Stepan to center Rich Nash and Ryan Callahan. Stepan has four goals and four assists in his last six games; look for his numbers to continue growing if the locker room's confidence boost continues.
News:Derek Stepan was a plus-4 with two goals (including the game-winner) in a 4-2 win over Winnipeg on Monday night.
Analysis: Although it's his first point in two games, he continues to be one of few Rangers consistently producing offensively. Derek Stepan has eight goals and nine assists in his last 16 games.
News:Derek Stepan was a plus-4 with a goal and three assists in a 5-2 victory over the Flyers on Tuesday night.
Analysis: It was the first four-point night of his young career. Derek Stepan has six goals and nine assists in 12 games this month. More importantly for the third-year center, he is providing consistency for a sometimes sluggish offense. The Rangers are 13-4-2 when Stepan registers a point or more. He's quietly becoming their most consistent producer and should be considered a solid option for fantasy owners in any format.
News:Derek Stepan was the only Ranger to find the net before the shootout Monday, scoring a second-period goal in an eventual 2-1 win over Carolina.
Analysis:Derek Stepan's on a point-per-game pace thus far in March, tallying four goals and five assists in nine contests. He continues to be inconsistent on face-offs, though, as he won just four of 14 on Monday and remains below 50 percent on the year.
News:Derek Stepan scored his sixth goal of the season as the Rangers won 4-1 in Washington on Sunday.
Analysis:Derek Stepan, who centered a line with Ryan Callahan and Marian Gaborik, was a plus-1 with two shots on goal and three hits. After going pointless in the 3-2 loss to Ottawa on Friday, Stepan netted his first goal in three games. Stepan has three goals and four assists in his last six games.
News:Derek Stepan racked up two assists for the second straight game Thursday, assisting on both goals in a 2-1 overtime win against the Islanders.
Analysis: With two goals and four assists over a four-game points streak, Derek Stepan's been a strong contributor lately. The line he's centering with Rick Nash and Carl Hagelin has been outstanding, so look for the production to continue.
News:Derek Stepan went plus-1 with two assists in the Tuesday's 4-2 win over Philadelphia.
Analysis: That's four points (two goals, two assists) for Derek Stepan in his last three games, and he's registered at least one point in seven of his last 10 games.
News:Derek Stepan scored a goal in the Rangers' 3-2 shootout win over Buffalo on Sunday night.
Analysis:Derek Stepan was camped out on Ryan Miller's doorstep when he took a cross-ice pass and fired it
behind Miller before he could get his glove over. It's Stepan's second goal in as many games
and fifth of the season. While we doubt this will progress into any significant goal-scoring streak, he's likely to become close to a point-per-game type player in the future. The third-year center is a plus-8 with 11 points in 20 games played this season.
News:Derek Stepan scored the game-winning goal in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Lightning.
Analysis: The goal snaps a two-game pointless streak for Derek Stepan. The second line center is now a plus-10 with four goals and nine assists this season.
News:Derek Stepan registered the game-winning goal Sunday in the 2-1 win over the Capitals.
Analysis: With his second goal in three games, and third this month, Derek Stepan has been more productive since joining a line with Carl Hagelin and Rick Nash. He now has three goals, four assists and is a plus-6 in 14 games this season.
News:Derek Stepan scored his second goal of the season in the Rangers' 4-3 shootout win over the Bruins on Tuesday night.
Analysis: Though he was a minus-1 in the win, Derek Stepan seems to be enjoying life on a line with Carl Hagelin and Rick Nash. Both of his goals this season have come in the last five games. The third-year center has gone plus-4 with two goals and four assists in 12 games this season.
Rangers' Stepan Scores His First Goal of the Season Saturday
News:Derek Stepan notched his first goal of the season in the Rangers' 3-2 win over the Lightning on Saturday.
Analysis: The Derek Stepan-Carl Hagelin-Taylor Pyatt line was buzzing all night and notched two of the three Rangers goals. Stepan lacks elite speed but usually makes up for it in slick passing and solid anticipation. He was rewarded for going into traffic by scoring a dirty goal to get him off the schneid.
News:Derek Stepan has three assists in his team's first four games this season.
Analysis:Derek Stepan has found a way to contribute this season through his passing, much like he did last season. With the new addition of Rick Nash and the high powered Rangers offense, passing and tallying assists will be Stepan's primary focus this season.
News:Derek Stepan has agreed to a deal with a Finnish Elite League squad, Sportsnet.ca reports.
Analysis:Derek Stepan is the fourth Ranger to head overseas during the lockout, though he's the first to join the Finnish Elite League. He tallied 17 goals and 34 assists with the Rangers last season, his second in the NHL.
News:Derek Stepan registered a goal and two assists in Monday's 3-2 in over Ottawa in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series.
Analysis:Derek Stepan had been quiet the last four games, with no points despite seven shots on goal in Saturday's Game 5 loss. He's a talented playmaker and the Rangers will need another effort like this from him in Game 7.
News:Derek Stepan, who absorbed a knee-on-knee hit from Pittsburgh's Brooks Orpik on Thursday, did not practice Friday, Andrew Gross of the Bergen Record reports.
Analysis: The report speculates that the Rangers are just playing it safe with Derek Stepan, but his status for Saturday's regular season finale is unclear.
News:Derek Stepan was the victim of a knee-on-knee hit by Pittsburgh's Brooks Orpik on Thursday. He remained on the bench after the hit, but didn't return to the ice.
Analysis: There's no update on Derek Stepan's condition, but given that he didn't head to the trainer's room, it seems likely he's just day-to-day.
News:Derek Stepan assisted on Ryan Callahan's power-play goal during the first period of Tuesday's 5-3 win over the Flyers.
Analysis: On a night when 12 Rangers registered a point, Derek Stepan joined the action by picking up his 33rd assist on the year. Barring a goal-scoring outburst in the Rangers' last two game, Stepan is going to finish short of the 21 goals he scored last season, but the young center has set career highs in assists, points and plus-minus this year. Stepan will only be 22 years old when the 2012-2013 season begins, so he is certainly a player to keep on your radar in fantasy.
News:Derek Stepan picked up a goal and an assist in Monday's 4-2 victory over the Devils.
Analysis:Derek Stepan will need a strong finish to equal his goal total from his rookie season, but the second-year forward has now set new career-highs in plus-minus, assists, and points. Stepan's sophomore season has been an overwhelming success by any measure, and he continues to be a solid contributor for fantasy owners in even the shallowest of leagues.
News:Derek Stepan scored for the second straight game, notching the Rangers' only goal in Tuesday's loss to the Devils. Stepan has points in each of the last four games.
Analysis:Derek Stepan has five points over the last four games and has been asserting himself for the Rangers of late. Still a mere 21 years old, Stepan should continue factoring into New York's attack as the first-line center.
Stepan Scores Game-Winner As Rangers Defeat Bruins
News:Derek Stepan scored the eventual game-winning goal in Sunday's 4-3 win over Boston.
Analysis:Derek Stepan looks to be implementing a nice finishing kick to the 2011-12 season, as he has posted four points in his last three games. The Rangers' young center will most likely fall a couple goals shy of his 2010-11 mark, but he has already set a career high with 29 assists and sits at an impressive plus-24. Three games is a small sample size, but Stepan should be a very valuable fantasy asset if he can keep up this pace for the last month of the season.
News:Derek Stepan picked up two assists in Thursday's 3-2 win over Carolina.
Analysis:Derek Stepan continues to provide value for his fantasy owners, as he leaves his rookie mark of 24 assists in the dust. His plus-minus rating now sits at an impressive plus-24, which ranks the Rangers' youngster among the league's best in that category.
News:Derek Stepan scored his 13th goal of the season in Friday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Islanders.
Analysis: The goal marks Derek Stepan's third in his last eight games as he continues his breakout season. The Rangers' youngster is a valuable asset for any fantasy roster, as he is on pace to surpass his 2010-11 point total and ranks among the league leaders in plus-minus rating.
News:Derek Stepan scored the game-winning goal in Sunday's 3-2 overtime victory of Columbus.
Analysis:Derek Stepan's 12th goal of the season puts him on pace to finish a tick below his rookie season total of 21. The youngster has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy owners this year, as he has already surpassed his 2010-11 assist total and his plus-23 rating puts him among the league leaders in that category.
News:Derek Stepan notched a goal and an assist in Thursday's 4-3 overtime win over Tampa Bay.
Analysis: With 35 points on the year, Derek Stepan has done a great job of building off of his stellar rookie season. It will take a scoring frenzy to match his goal total of 21 from 2010-2011, but the Rangers' youngster is only one assist from equaling his helper stats from last year. His plus-minus rating of 23 also places him among the league leaders in that category, making him an asset in even the shallowest of leagues.
News:Derek Stepan scored a goal and added an assist in Saturday's win over Toronto.
Analysis: His stick had gone relatively quiet in his previous 10 games (two goals, one assist) so this outburst was welcomed by both the Rangers and his owners. A 60-point season is still within reach but he'll have to pick up the pace in order to reach that milestone.
News:Derek Stepan's scored the game-winning shootout goal in Tuesday's victory over the Coyotes.
Analysis: The shootout goal is the first of Derek Stepan's career. While the shootout goal doesn't count in most fantasy formats, Stepan's presence in the shootout is a great sign that Rangers head coach John Tortorella is gaining more and more trust in his young center.
News:Derek Stepan netted an unassisted goal in Friday's 3-1 over the Penguins.
Analysis: After four games without a point, Derek Stepan now has two in as many games. Two games does not equal a hot streak, but he'll get plenty of opportunities to continue this kind of production on the Rangers' top line.
News:Derek Stepan registered two assists in Tuesday's win over the Devils, giving him three helpers in the last two games.
Analysis:Derek Stepan is enjoying life with Marian Gaborik on his wing and is in the midst of a breakout season. The talented second-year pivot has 23 points in 31 games, putting him on pace to roar past his rookie total of 46 points.
News:Derek Stepan lit the lamp twice and added an assist Sunday against Florida. He now has 20 points in 27 games.
Analysis:Derek Stepan has scored seven points in his last five games, and he is coming off a rookie season in which he scored 21 goals and 45 points. It looks like there is a good chance he'll beat that point total this season.
Stepan (ankle) Extends Assists Streak To Four Games
News:Derek Stepan (ankle) tallied an assist in Thursday's loss to the Lightning.
Analysis:Derek Stepan looks to be over his ankle injury as his playing time has exceed 20 minutes in the Ranger's last two contests. Stepan now has an assist in four straight games, and looks to be a solid source of assists going forward.
News:Derek Stepan (ankle) scored the tiebreaking goal and added an assist in Saturday's win over the Lightning.
Analysis: The goal ended up standing as the winner; it was his fifth goal of the season. He has 15 points in 23 games this season and should find himself in the mid-50s by season end. He has solid value in deeper formats, particularly those that roll him as a forward instead of at his natural center.
News:Derek Stepan (ankle) took part in Saturday's morning skate, according to the Rangers' official Twitter page.
Analysis:Derek Stepan sat out practice Friday after being struck by a foot in Thursday's game, but he'll be back in action Saturday night. Stepan has recorded just three points since Nov. 9 - after totaling seven in the three games before.
News:Derek Stepan did not practice Friday due to an ankle injury, Andrew Gross of the Bergen Record reports.
Analysis:Derek Stepan injured his ankle blocking a shot in Thursday's game, but the setback does not appear serious. X-rays came back negative, and Stepan thinks he'll be able to play in Saturday's game against the Lightning. Expect an update on Stepan's status before the first puck drops.
News:Derek Stepan scored his fourth goal of the season in the Rangers' 2-1 loss to the Panthers on Wednesday night. The point snaps a three-game scoreless streak.
Analysis:Derek Stepan is starting to get onto the stat sheet on a little more of a consistent basis having notched 10 points over his last 10 games played. Stepan has breakout potential and should be on your radar if he is not already.
News:Derek Stepan had a goal and two assists in the Rangers' 3-2 victory over the Senators on Wednesday night.
Analysis: He now has seven points (2G, 5A) in his last three games and is playing on New York's No. 1 line alongside Marion Gaborik.
News:Derek Stepan scored his first goal of the season in Monday's win over San Jose, giving him two points in the last two contests.
Analysis: The budding pivot has a goal and an assist over the last two games and still is 21 years old. The Rangers like what Derek Stepan has to offer and the youngster has been seeing some time with the team's top players. Keep an eye on him in standard leagues, but those in keeper leagues should already be well aware of Stepan's potential.
News:Derek Stepan played his first game on the Rangers' top line, along with Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards, Saturday night against the Islanders. Stepan added a physical element with three hits.
Analysis: Coach John Tortorella has said in the past that Derek Stepan reminds him of a young Brad Richards in the way he thinks the game. Because of penalties, the top line didn't have a chance to step on the ice together until almost halfway through the first period. So it wasn't until the second period until the trio really seemed to get going together. Stepan's physicality is not what he's immediately known for but it appears to be something he's adding to his game. It's a nice addition for his overall game and a dimension the #1 unit wasn't expected to have. Expect Stepan's top line audition to go, at least, through the Rangers' four-game western road trip starting in Vancouver on Tuesday night.
News:Derek Stepan will skate on the top line with Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik, according to Newsday.
Analysis: As we thought, the Rangers' top line left wing spot has been a work in progress. The general sentiment has been that Derek Stepan would be next to be given an opportunity, after Wojtek Wolski and Brandon Dubinsky would get first shot. Stepan will likely stay on the first line until Wolski (groin) is completely healthy, as coach John Tortorella much prefers lineup balance with Dubinsky on the second line.
News:Derek Stepan practiced on the top line with Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik again Friday, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis:Derek Stepan has practiced with the first line a couple times this week, so he'll likely stay in that spot for Saturday's game against the Islanders. It's not clear how permanent this move is, but Stepan should at least get a chance to hold down the role.
News: After making strides in his game, Derek Stepan was added to the top line Wednesday alongside Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik, the Rangers' official Twitter page reports.
Analysis: After a quality rookie season, Derek Stepan joins the Rangers' top line. It was unclear during the preseason who would earn the spot, but Stepan has stepped up. He made comments on playing with the NHL veterans: "It's up to me to see the game the way they do...I'm just filling in holes."
News: After a good rookie season (21 goals, 24 assists), Derek Stepan entered training camp on the short list for the top line, left wing spot. With first, second and forth line falling into place, Stepan will land on the third line at left wing with Mike Rupp at center. Right wing on the third line looks to be the only spot not locked up yet according to Newdsday.
Analysis:Derek Stepan is looking to build on his rookie season and coach John Tortorella thinks a move away from center to the wing is the best way to do that. Tortorella seems to be taking a similar tactic as he did with Brandon Dubinsky by moving him to the wing. As with Dubinsky, Tortorella feels having less responsibility as a winger will help Stepan not have to think so much and just play. Seeing as the Rangers would like to keep Dubinsky on the second line, Stepan is first in line to replace Wolski on the top unit should Wolski falter.
News: Stepan scored his 20th goal of the season Saturday against the Bruins, deflecting a Michael Sauer shot past Tuukka Rask.
Analysis: He's also got 21 assists in what's been a mighty fine rookie season for Stepan. He hasn't ever really lit on fire yet, but he's shown a load of promise.
News: Stepan had a goal and an assist in the Rangers' 4-1 win over Ottawa on Friday night.
Analysis: The rookie center came up big in a must-win game and now has 18 goals and 20 assists on the season. Stepan is having a very strong rookie campaign and looks like a nice keeper pick for the 2011-12 season.
News: Stepan went plus-1 with a goal and two penalty minutes in Sunday's 4-2 loss to the Flyers.
Analysis: Only five rookies have more goals than Stepan (16). It's clear that he is playing beyond his years, as the 20-year-old is on track for 45 points by season's end.
News: Stepan grabbed his first point in three games, posting a goal in Monday's loss to Detroit.
Analysis: The promising pivot has gone through several mini-droughts in between getting his name on the scoresheet. He's a player with much potential and is factoring into the Rangers' attack. Thirty-one points is hardly a number to scoff at for a 20-year-old, so make sure to remember his name.
News: Stepan posted his first goal in four games Tuesday against Florida.
Analysis: The 20-year old's been one of the more impressive rookies this season, but has been a bit quiet on the goals front lately, with just two in the last eight. Remember his name in keeper leagues, as the Rangers are high on this kid.
News: Stepan snapped a five-game goal slump with a marker Saturday against St. Louis.
Analysis: Goals seem to come in bunches for this talented rookie. He's still not a viable fantasy option in most single-year leagues but his keeper value is solid.
News: Stepan posted a goal Monday in the win over the Islanders, extending a goal-scoring streak to four games.
Analysis: The promising rookie added an assist as well in the rout and 22 points in 37 games is a nice number from a 20-year old-playing on Broadway. He has a ton of potential but remember he's a rookie.
News: Stepan scored a goal for the third consecutive game Thursday against the Lightning, putting a beautiful deke on Dan Ellis and tucking the puck behind him into the goal.
Analysis: Ellis had great positioning on the goalpost against Stepan, but the rookie showed impressive patience to make Ellis move first. Stepan isn't quite a fantasy force yet, with 20 points in 36 games, but he's only 20 and he's shown quite a lot of flashes already.
News: Stepan scored the Rangers' lone goal Saturday in a 4-1 loss to the Flyers.
Analysis: It's his ninth of the year and he now has goals in back-to-back contests. He's on pace for a 45-point season, a tally that makes him largely irrelevant in single-year leagues but a solid keeper option for sure.
News: Stepan scored his fifth goal of the season in Wednesday's 5-3 loss to Tampa Bay.
Analysis: Stepan, who scored a hat trick opening night, struggled to find the beginning of this season. He has two goals in his last three games, so he appears to have found his groove again.
News: Stepan found the back of the net in Friday's 5-1 loss in Colorado.
Analysis: This was Stepan's first goal since his hat trick on opening night. After snapping an 11-game losing streak, he has recorded four points in four games. Maybe the rookie is finding his legs, but he is worth a speculative add to see if his linemates remain the same.
News: Stepan will center the Rangers' top line Friday, Newsday's Steve Zipay reports.
Analysis: Stepan gets another promotion after recording three assists in his last three games. It remains to be seen how long Stepan will remain in that role, but his assists will no doubt pick up if he plays well and holds onto the top spot for a while.
News: Stepan has been promoted from the fourth to the third line, according to Steve Zipay of Newsday.
Analysis: Stepan has been impressive as of late, handling all the duties of a center well. The Rangers' official site quotes head coach John Tortorella as saying "he's bumped up today...he's handled this real well."
