Derek Stepan: Leaves Friday's game
Stepan will not return for the third period of Friday's game against the Bruins after a late hit from Matt Beleskey.
Analysis:
The hit was described as "totally avoidable" by Doug Williams of SportsNet New York, and we think that is an accurate account of the play based on how Beleskey appeared to lean into Stepan's left shoulder and level him against the boards. We won't speculate the severity of the apparent injury but it's safe to say the team will closely evaluate the prolific forward in the coming days.