Karly Redpath- Derek Stepan
Derek Stepan is one of the Rangers most consistent players, but struggled to score early in the season.
Stepan has recorded a respectable 54 points, the third highest of his career, thanks to his 38 assists this year. With a career-high 22 goals last season, it looked like Stepan would record a new career low goals in 2016-17.
However, he has turned on in the second half and has at least met his career low (16 goals).
Stepan has recorded four points in the last five games (two goals, two assists) and has 12 points in the last 17 games (four goals, eight assists). With the postseason just one game away, the pressure is on for Stepan to continue his streak and continue to put pucks in the net.
He is always one of the most important players on the roster, especially in the postseason. Regardless of whether or not he is scoring, his leadership, is always a very important aspect of the Rangers success.
Beyond an impact on the bench, he has proven that he has an ability to make big plays to generate opportunities and can score important goals. This is exactly what the Rangers need him to do, and based on his play in the last month, Stepan needs to do it now more than ever.