Derek Stepan Undergoing Surgery To Fix Jaw Broken On Brandon Prust Hit

NEW YORK — Rangers forward Derek Stepan has a broken jaw and is undergoing surgery following a hit by Montreal’s Brandon Prust during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Rangers coach Alain Vigneault made the surprising announcement Friday on the first of two off days in the series that New York leads 2-1. Prust wasn’t penalized in the first period of Montreal’s 3-2 overtime win Thursday night, but he faces an NHL hearing Friday and a possible suspension.

Stepan had X-rays that were negative Thursday night, and he returned to the game. He was in pain after the game and on Friday morning.

Further tests after a visit to a specialist revealed the fracture. Vigneault said Stepan’s playing status for the rest of the series will be determined after surgery.

Click here to see GIFs of the hit >>

Photo via Twitter.com/npsport