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New York Rangers: Top five players to disappoint in the playoffs

By Timothy Haggerty

Apr 29, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) celebrates his third goal scored in the third period of game two in the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the New York Rangers at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) celebrates his third goal scored in the third period of game two in the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the New York Rangers at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /
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#2: Derek Stepan

Apr 27, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) skates with the puck following a faceoff against Ottawa Senators center Derick Brassard (19) in the first period of game one in the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) skates with the puck following a faceoff against Ottawa Senators center Derick Brassard (19) in the first period of game one in the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /

Stepan was the worst forward for the Rangers in these playoffs and there really isn’t all that much to debate about it. He failed to show up when it mattered the most and it proved to be a fatal flaw.

Stepan’s offensive statistics are better than some other forwards for the Rangers. He has two goals and four assists through the 12 games. The problem was he undid all of that work on the other end of the ice. He was a -3 for the playoffs.

The power play suffered when Stepan was a part of it. The pace was glacial and it’s part of the reason the Rangers failed to generate any power play threat.

The good news is Stepan has recognized his poor play. When talking to NHL.com’s Dan Rosen, Stepan said “Individually, I’m disappointed and ashamed and flat out embarrassed”.

Maybe this will further motivate Stepan to be better in the future.

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