Rangers' Richards mentors Del Zotto

Brad Richards is an avid golfer, a Conn Smythe Trophy winner as a Stanley Cup playoff MVP, and a key to the power play for the Rangers. He also is the unofficial mentor of defenseman Michael Del Zotto.

Del Zotto, 21, has been hanging out with Richards off the ice, and the matchmaker has been none other than coach John Tortorella. The topic of conversation "doesn't even have to be about hockey," he said.

"I think it grew together, it clicked, before I approached both players," Tortorella said, acknowledging that the veteran has helped Del Zotto, who struggled in his sophomore season last year after a gangbusters start to his rookie season.

"He's maturing," Tortorella said, and is adjusting to an NHL career. "I have so much respect for Brad Richards, his knowing what it's like to be a pro. That's one of the things he can bring to a young team."

Del Zotto had an assist on the first Rangers' goal Sunday night.

Derek steps up on PP

The power play, which had shown signs of life, slipped against the Canadiens on Saturday night, going 1-for-9. Tortorella installed Derek Stepan back on the unit Sunday night and it worked.

Stepan opened the scoring with a power-play goal, and received 5:57 of ice time on the man advantage.

"He's been one of our best playmakers," Tortorella said about Stepan, who picked up his fifth assist Sunday night.

Blue notes

Mike Rupp's arthroscopic surgery on his left knee is scheduled for Wednesday . . . Artem Anisimov, who blocked a shot with the instep of his right foot while penalty killing against the Canadiens and had X-rays between periods, said he was fine.