Photo: Michael Ivins, USA TODAY Sports

Photo: Michael Ivins, USA TODAY Sports

Although Derek Stepan’s injury has caused some issues for the Rangers, with lines being shaken up and a lack of offense jump being evident from time to time, the lack of one of their top offensive players hasn’t been entirely disastrous due to the recent play of Derick Brassard. While Brassard has always been an important part of the Rangers’ top six his significance has been drawn into high relief by Stepan’s absence. Brassard has responded with merit by stepping up his game and contributing at a time when the Rangers need him the most.

Starting with the stats, Brassard’s possession numbers have been pretty good for a team that’s otherwise struggled with offensive production this season. In the five games since Stepan’s been out Brassard has an even strength CF% of 48.8, as well as a relative CF% of 2.06%. Although at first glance these aren’t phenomenal numbers once again its worth noting that the Rangers have struggled with possession, as well as the fact that these numbers are brought down by two clunkers (at least where Brassard’s concerned) against Philadelphia and the Islanders; he’s got a CF% above 50 in their other three games the Rangers have played since Stepan’s injury, against Carolina, Colorado, and Ottawa. On a similarly positive note, in those same games he has a scoring chances for% in all situations of 53.96%, with his relative SCF% being 10.62%. If the Rangers have a want for offense in Derek Stepan’s absence it certainly doesn’t have much to do with Brassard.

His ability to generate offense goes beyond just shot attempts and scoring chances however, with his recent play getting the Rangers on the board as well. In the 5 games since Matt Beleskey broke Derek Stepan’s ribs Brassard has tallied 5 points, including two 2-point games. Some highlights of this production can be seen below, which conveniently show some of the more crucial elements to his game. In the first clip seen below we can see that Brassard’s vision and knack for distribution came in handy, setting up the Rangers’ only goal in an otherwise disappointing game against Colorado.

In our second we can see that in addition to his standard, stellar playmaking ability he’s been showing off his finishing ability lately, scoring on here on a brilliant set up from Kevin Hayes against Carolina…

and then ripping a slap shot right in front against Ottawa in the third clip.

Finally, although their importance is often overstated, here’s Brass winning a face off cleanly for a quick goal by Zucc. While Brassard doesn’t really do much to set this play up I still figured some might appreciate a nice face off win on a power play.

Although this kind of offense streak can often be unsustainable it’s still crucial to the Rangers in Stepan’s absence that players like Derrick Brassard step up their game and drive the offense as much as they can. An injury for another player can often be a big opportunity for some, and Brass has really seized the moment and reminded everyone why he’s such an essential part of this Rangers offense. His ability to drive the offense is up to his potential as a player, and we’ve seen him highlighting both his playmaking and scoring abilities as of late. Let’s enjoy it while we can, folks.

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