Stanley Cup playoffs: Derek Stepan makes trip to Montreal, Game 5 status uncertain

Cassandra Negley

Stanley Cup playoffs: Derek Stepan makes trip to Montreal, Game 5 status uncertain image

Derek Stepan made the trip to Montreal with his teammates for Game 5, but it's still unclear if he'll be playing or not.

The forward broke his jaw during Game 3 when Brandon Prust rocked him with a hard hit. Prust was given a two-game suspension and Stepan underwent surgery later that night after continuing to play in the game. He did not play in Game 4, a 3-2 overtime win by the Rangers that puts them one win away from advancing to the Stanley Cup finals.

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It seems a tad bold to play him so soon after surgery during a game the Rangers aren't under the gun to win. But coach Alan Vigneault did not rule him out for the Tuesday night game.

"I couldn't say right now," Vigneault said at the Monday's media availability. "I have no idea."

Stepan has three goals and eight assists during the postseason, tied for second on the team. If he does play, he'll require additional equipment (such as a cage) to protect the jaw.

Cassandra Negley