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.

Mar 16, 2012; Winnipeg, MB, CAN; Washington Capitals forward Jeff Halpern (15) prior to the game against the Winnipeg Jets at the MTS Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-US PRESSWIRE

Since the Rangers have already lost Brandon Prust, John Mitchell, and Ruslan Fedotenko through free agency, Glen Sather this summer has tried to restore the team’s bottom six. He brought in Taylor Pyatt, and now he brings in Jeff Halpern. Halpern inked a one year deal worth $700,000 with the team.

Personally, I like this signing. Halpern brings what the Rangers lost in Prust. He can kill penalties and more importantly he can take face offs. With Halpern now being the best face off man on the team, Brian Boyle now doesn’t have to take every single defensive zone draw. That was a problem in the playoffs, and now that problem is solved.

Halpern also brings certain intangibles like leadership, and he brings experience. Most importantly Halpern is a John Tortorella kind of player, and he should have no problem fitting in under his new bench boss. This is pure speculation, but I feel that Halpern is a player that Tortorella wanted to get on the team.

Some people in Ranger land are complaining about not getting a scorer, but it’s these little signings that can make all the difference in the end. The Rangers can still swing a trade even with this signing so there isn’t anything to worry about. Halpern adds depth, and that’s something every winning team needs.