Stepan Breaks Jaw, It’s Miller Time In New York
The Stanley Cup playoffs are filled with twists, turns and breaks! In game 3, that’s exactly what happened. Brandon Prust took it upon himself by any means necessary to turn the game around. He did so by delivering an illegal and late high hit to the jaw of Derek Stepan. The result…a break!
Alain Vigneault met with the media today and gave this update per Blueshirts United:
“Step right now, at this time, is probably getting operated on,” head coach Alain Vigneault said Friday morning at a press conference at Madison Square Garden. “He broke his jaw yesterday, so we’ll have an idea of the time frame tomorrow.”
After the hit, Stepan left the game and was apparently cleared by doctors after x-rays came back negative. However, Stepan awoke with tremendous pain. He was given a CT SCAN this morning and the results of the additional testing revealed a fracture. The Rangers say he is ruled out until they receive further news.
Dan Carcillo was suspended 10 games today after trying to get after Brandon Prust. His shove on linesman Scott Driscoll will prove costly for him but has certainly given an opportunity to others.
Derick Brassard is still considered day-to-day, and many believe he will be ready for game 4. If Derek Stepan is also out and it appears highly likely, it opens the door for future star, JT Miller.
Miller is perfect for this series, he has a rare combination of size and speed. It’s been killing the Canadiens thus far as they have had a hard time stopping players like Chris Kreider, Rick Nash and Benoit Pouliot. Other speedsters like Marty St. Louis and Carl Hagelin are also giving the Habs fits. Adding Miller’s size, speed and his skill, could be just what the Rangers need.
For now, we will wait and see what lies ahead. If Brassard is also out, Jesper Fast may make an appearance as well. Or does Alain Vigneault put another ex-Canadien draft pick into the lineup in Danny Kristo? Imagine the Rangers winning this series on a goal by Kristo assisted by McDonagh? If that were to happen, get your riot gear ready Montreal PD.
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