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Derek Stepan

Rangers' Derek Stepan out 'indefinitely': Three takeaways

Jimmy Hascup
USA TODAY Sports

As if the New York Rangers' second consecutive loss, this time to the Boston Bruins, weren't enough, the team will be without top-six forward Derek Stepan for an indefinite period, coach Alain Vigneault told reporters.

The New York Rangers will be without center Derek Stepan "indefinitely."

The center broke his ribs on a late hit from Matt Beleskey in the second period of the Bruins' 4-3 win, their fifth victory in a row. Beleskey was not penalized for the hit.

Here are takeaways for the Rangers with Stepan out:

Who fills in? With six goals and 12 points, Stepan was not off to a great start, but he has been a lock for close to 20 goals and 55 points. Without him, they are a weaker team. Including this season, he ranks 41st in the NHL with 2.03 points per 60 at five-on-five (minimum 1,000 minutes). The Rangers are lucky that they have two versatile players with upside to step into a center role in the top six: Kevin Hayes and JT Miller, both of whom have gotten time on the wing. But are they ready for a long-term look? Hayes' future likely lies in the top six. He has been highly effective at even strength, ranking 12th with 2.36 points per 60 minutes, in his first two seasons. Miller has been inconsistent when given more ice time, though he has 10 points in 22 games. The jury is still out on whether he is more than a top-nine player. At 22, youth is on his side. This is a good time to see either player with added responsibility.

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One-man team: Nobody is going to discount their stellar start -- 16-5-2. But the Rangers have relied far too much on one player, goalie Henrik Lundqvist. They have been a very poor possession team -- 22nd in score-adjusted possession (48%), meaning their goalies' .955 save-percentage at even strength is masking deficiencies. Far too much time is being spent hoping and praying in the defensive zone. Their 10.6% 5-on-5 shooting percentage isn't likely to last, either. Maybe some regression and a less stout lineup will spur ...

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More significant lineup changes: What they lack in elite-level forward talent, they more than make up with depth. The forwards are good enough. Aside from Lundqvist, the Rangers' balance is what will fuel their run. The defense appears to have a mix that you can work with. Perhaps a few more losses, or poor performances, will prompt Vigneault to overhaul the defense pairings. There is tinkering that could help. Dan Girardi, on the first pairing with Ryan McDonagh, hasn't driven possession all year (40.2%). Same with Marc Staal (43.55%). The Rangers would benefit by moving Girardi down and elevating Keith Yandle, Dan Boyle or Kevin Klein into the first pair. Both Yandle (16:15) and Boyle (15:08) are being underutilized at even strength.

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