March 16, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) on the ice against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Last night Derek Stepan recorded a 4 point game. It was probably Stepan’s best game of the season, but it was one of many good games for the 22 year old University of Wisconsin product.

Stepan now has 25 points in 31 games and would be on pace for a breakout season in a 82 game season.

I think the game for Stepan has slowed down this season. He’s making good plays in the offensive zone, and his decision making has improved. He’s also making plays quicker which is something I had a problem with for the last couple seasons. He’s telegraphed quite a few passes over his young career but now he does that very rarely which is good to see.

Is Stepan the future number 1 center of this team? Maybe. I would have said I’m 95% sure he won’t be one before this season started, but now I’m beginning to reconsider my stance. Even if doesn’t become a premier center in this league the Rangers still have a definite top 6 center on their hands.

It’s also good to see he hasn’t really gone through his seasonal prolonged scoring drought this year. Just another sign he’s improved as a player.

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Jan. 29, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) handles the puck against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Last night was a tough grind it out win for the Rangers. It was also a very complete game from the entire team.

But it was a confidence boosting win for a few Rangers.

Derek Stepan finally scored a goal. His first in 21 games for the Rangers. Did you ever think he was going to score again? Stepan finally has the monkey off his back.

Carl Hagelin finally got his first points of the year, getting on the board with a goal and an assist. Hagelin’s been doing a lot of good things on the ice, just not scoring. It was good to see him rewarded with a goal.

Then you have Rick Nash who’s been snake bitten. He scored a great power forward’s goal by driving the net. Rick Nash has 35 shots on the season and only 2 goals on the season. Now maybe he’ll think the bounces will start going his way. I’m not really worried about Nash, as I know if he keeps shooting he’ll start scoring in bunches.

Taylor Pyatt also added some offense last night getting 2 assists.

Enjoy your Super Bowl Sunday.

Be sure to follow me on twitter @Bluelinestation.