Derek Stepan's two assists helped the Rangers come back and beat the rival Islanders 3-2 Tuesday night. Snapping a five game pointless drought, Stepan tallied his seventh point in 11 games. He still has no goals and is a -0 this season.

Derek Stepan's struggles continued in Monday's 2-0 loss to the Canadiens. Stepan has now been held without a point in five straight contests and has recorded just five points in 10 games this season. With one shot on goal in the defeat, he has amassed just 18 on the campaign.

Coach Alain Vigneault thinks that Derek Stepan is still only at 75 percent after missing almost all of training camp and all six preseason games. Stepan was an RFA and didn't sign his deal until September 26 so it's no surprise that he isn't 100 percent. "It's coming along," Stepan said. "Each game has gotten better so it's just got to continue to get better. The timing of the plays within the game are the hardest part." Stepan has five assists in seven games but is a horrible minus-seven thus far that takes away a lot of his fantasy value in the early going.

Derek Stepan feels fine after absorbing a blow to the head during Wednesday's game. Stepan briefly left the contest after he collided with Troy Brouwer. Brouwer claimed it was an accidental collision, but Rangers coach Alain Vigneault argued otherwise. For his part, Stepan didn't pass judgement, but he said, "It's part of the game, it happens."

Derek Stepan has returned to the ice after departing with a seemingly serious injury. Stepan left Wednesday's game against Washington after he collided with Troy Brouwer and it looked like he might have suffered an injury when he quickly went to the locker room for evaluation. The fact that he returned to the game showing no signs of rust is excellent news.

Derek Stepan was forced to leave Wednesday's game against the Capitals with what could be a head injury. Stepan collided with Troy Brouwer of the Capitals at center ice and fell to the ice before he was escorted directly to the Rangers dressing room. He has yet to return to the ice, but we will pass along updates as they become available.

Once everyone returns to health, Derek Stepan should center Rick Nash and Carl Hagelin on the second line. Despite the rough start, things could be looking up for the Rangers as their top line of Brad Richards, Derick Brassard and Ryan Callahan has looked quite good. Stepan missed most of training camp holding out as a restricted free agent and Hagelin and Nash are currently injured but the Rangers will be able to put together a nice top-six when everyone is healthy. New York has yet to play a home game as Madison Square Garden continues to be renovated and that will help as well once they return home.

Derek Stepan had two assists Saturday. Stepan is off to a good offensive start with five assists in five games but his minus-seven rating leaves a lot to be desired. He missed most of the preseason because he held out as a restricted free agent. Look for Stepan to turn it around defensively because the Rangers cannot be as bad as they have shown in the early going. Expect a 65-75 point season from the center.

Rangers coach Alain Vigneault wishes he wouldn't have thrust Derek Stepan immediately into a top-line role in the after the center missed most of the preseason. Stepan held out as a restricted free agent. "If I could have been fairer to Step, (he would have played) him in a lesser [offensive] role," the coach said. "I know Step's intentions were good, but he didn't play in any games, and he's got a guy right in his face, turns it over and the puck goes right into our net. We have to play these guys into shape." Vigneault plans to do exactly that with team captain Ryan Callahan when he returns to the New York lineup Monday.

Derek Stepan practiced with the Rangers on Sunday for the first time since he signed a two-year deal Tuesday. Stepan was at center with Brad Richards on his wing. Stepan had a break out season in 2013 with 18 goals and 44 points in 48 games. Look for more of the same in 2013-14 as he should get 25-30 goals with 60-65 points.