Derek Stepan didn't just get abused once on the play, he was lazy on the back-check. Chris Kreider, 1-0 #NYR. pic.twitter.com/cVlxs3K7W4
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) October 26, 2017
In the return home for Arizona Coyotes forward Derek Stepan, Mike Zibanejad and Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers abuse him.
So far, so good.
Though the struggling 2-6-2 New York Rangers can’t take any NHL team for granted at this moment, they’re certainly focused on this particular night. The winless and completely rebuilding Arizona Coyotes are in town at Madison Square Garden. Obviously, the occasion brings much sentiment to the party.
Former New York Rangers center and assistant captain Derek Stepan is making his return to the team he called home for seven seasons.
Naturally, MSG presented Stepan and the capacity crowd with a tribute video (as they always do best). Right before the moment, good old Step found himself abused on a play that led to the Rangers first goal of the night.
As you’ve already seen in the video above, Mika Zibanjead picks the pocket of Stepan. Mats Zuccarello then brings the pock into the zone down the left side prior to executing a nifty pass which Chris Kreider buried.
New York currently leads 2-0 after Pavel Buchnevich was gifted one from afar:
Pavel Buchnevich is gifted one. Hey, throw it on net. You never know. 2-0 #NYR. pic.twitter.com/DLhJnPxx9A
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) October 26, 2017
The score stands at 2-0 as the two teams gear up to begin the second period.