Derek Stepan, Artem Anisimov developing for Rangers
New York Rangers' Derek Stepan (21) takes a shot on goal past New Jersey Devils' Brad Mills (48), of Canada, during the first period of a preseason hockey game. (Sept. 23, 2011) Credit: AP
VANCOUVER -- Derek Stepan and Artem Anisimov didn't have strong Septembers, but are improving in October, when it counts.
Stepan, 21, has graduated from third line center to first line left wing, and Anisimov, 23, who anchored the second line last season, is growing.
"I thought [Stepan] had a slow camp, but by the second half, he and Anisimov were two of our best players," coach John Tortorella said Tuesday. "It's noticeable," Tortorella said of Stepan, the second year pro from the University of Wisconsin. "He's more assertive. Everything about him. Especially that first game he played with Gabby and Richie [against the Islanders on Saturday.]"
Anisimov, the lanky Russian who was 18-26-44 last season, "is beginning to come out," said Tortorella. "He feels much more comfortable talking [in English]. I just think he feels more confidence in himself, being with the team, outside the rink. I think it has [translated to his on-ice play] and will continue."
Tribute to Rypien
The Canucks honored Rick Rypien, 27, who played 119 games with the Canucks over six seasons, with a pregame video tribute and an on-ice presentation. Rypien committed suicide Aug. 15 after battling clinical depression.
"We're going to make sure we are respectful and pay our respects to a guy who was a good teammate here in Vancouver and whose loss was a tough one in the hockey world," said Jeff Woywitka, who started his second game as a Blueshirt. "We know that crowd will be energized and we're going to have to make sure we match their intensity. The first ten minutes or so we know they will be charged up, so we will have to match that, weather the storm, and then get rolling."
Blue notes
D Michael Sauer (day-to-day, shoulder), Wojtek Wolski (groin) remained out. D Brendan Bell was a healthy scratch . . . At the end of this trip, following a game in Winnipeg next Monday, the Rangers will have traveled about 16,000 miles, starting with the first journey to Philadelphia for a preseason game on Sept 26 . . . The Rangers had lost their last five games here, dating back to Oct. 2, 1999.
More Rangers
