Derek Stepan Scores Rangers’ Game 5-Opening Goal, Broken Jaw And All

Derek Stepan returned to the New York Rangers’ lineup for Tuesday night’s Game 5 against the Montreal Canadiens after suffering a broken jaw earlier in the Eastern Conference finals and undergoing surgery.

Stepan skated in his usual spot at center on the first line alongside Rick Nash and Chris Kreider, and he tied the score 1-1 in the first period with a sweet wrist shot that beat Montreal Canadiens goaltender Dustin Tokarski blocker side.

Just a few minutes later, Habs forward Tomas Plekanec gave his team a 2-1 lead. The Rangers can eliminate the Canadiens and reach the Stanley Cup Final with a Game 5 win at Bell Centre.

GIF via @PeteBlackburn