Derek Stepan Scores Twice to Lead Rangers to 3-1 Win Over Flyers

Derek Stepan scored twice in the third period to lead the New York Rangers to a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden in New York on Sunday. His first goal, at 10:34 of the third, marked his 100th career goal.

Derek Stepan Scores Twice to Lead Rangers to 3-1 Win Over Flyers

Stepan’s second goal came during a power play at 13:54 of the third: Mats Zuccarello sent a pass from behind the net in front to Stepan, who one-timed it into Philadelphia’s net.

The Rangers lost their captain, defenseman Ryan McDonagh, to a concussion eight days ago after he was punched by Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds. After missing four straight games, McDonagh skated Sunday morning and could reportedly return to the lineup on Wednesday.

Derrick Brassard scored first for the Rangers on a wraparound 5:08 into the first period, which featured 32 penalty minutes, including a fight 39 seconds into the game between Simmonds and New York defenseman Dylan McIlrath. Rangers’ forward Tanner Glass also fought Flyers center Ryan White 20 seconds later.

“It was pretty clear. I wanted to send a message,” McIlrath said. “I wanted to stick up for my teammate, our captain, our best player. I can respect [Simmonds] for squaring up with me and I’m just happy how it all worked out.”

Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist made 21 saves, coming within just 9.7 seconds of his second consecutive shutout before Brayden Schenn scored Philadelphia’s only goal. Lundqvist made 34 saves in New York’s 3-0 road win against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday. Flyers goalie Steve Mason made 27 saves.

“We didn’t get enough scoring chances tonight,” Flyers coach Dave Hakstol said. “That being said, we had a one-goal game going into the third period. We just needed one push and we couldn’t get that before they made it a two- and a three-goal game.”

Rangers forward Rick Nash missed his ninth straight game because of a bone bruise on his left leg. Michael Del Zotto is out indefinitely due to an upper-body injury sustained during a 2-1 overtime loss against the Devils on Saturday.

The Rangers are now 32-18-6 this season, while the Flyers are 24-21-10. The Rangers previously defeated the Flyers 3-2 in a penalty shootout at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Feb. 6.

 

Caption:NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 28: Oscar Lindberg #24 of the New York Rangers skates against the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden on November 28, 2015 in New York City. The Flyers shutout the Rangers 3-0. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)