Derek Stepan’s broken jaw didn’t prevent the Canadiens from running their mouths. The war of words has escalated.
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Apparently, it’s not enough that the Canadiens are back in the Eastern Conference Final. They continued to run their mouths a day before Game 4 at MSG. The latest commentary came from Daniel Briere and coach Michel Therrien. First, Briere charged the Rangers with lying about Derek Stepan.

“I think it seems a little fishy to me,” Briere told reporters regarding Stepan’s uncertain status for Sunday. “It seems like a little bit of a game.”

Briere isn’t the only one to comment on Stepan. Teammate Brendan Gallagher also doubted as to the extent of Stepan’s broken jaw. Stepan was injured by Brandon Prust, who delivered a late illegal check in Game 3.

“He got up and he was yapping and yelling [after the play],” Gallagher said. “So, I’m sure the jaw isn’t hurting too much.”

Following the bizarre commentary, Alain Vigneault informed the media that Stepan had a plate inserted into the jaw as part of Friday night’s surgery. He was still at the hospital recovering and remained doubtful for tomorrow. At least Prust had the decency to text Stepan.

“Once I found out he had a broken jaw, I reached out to him,” Prust told USA Today’s Kevin Allen. “I told him I feel awful. I didn’t want to injury anybody, especially a friend of mine.”

He said Stepan responded with a brief text. “But I think he understands where I’m coming from,” Prust added. “It’s a tough situation right now.”

Regarding the hate he’s received from Ranger fans who once cheered him Prust said, “I’m not worried. They’re not my fans anymore. I’m in Montreal now and those are my fans. That’s who I care about. (But) I remember my time (in New York) and still love this city and the organization.”

When asked about his former teammate, Henrik Lundqvist emphasized that he doesn’t have any friends in Montreal right now. About as well put as you’d expect.

That wasn’t the only topic. Briere also had more to say on Ryan McDonagh. “I haven’t seen anyone slash as much as he has since Chris Pronger,” he charged. You can’t make it up.

As usual, Therrien was his chatty self following Montreal’s practice. During it, they caught Rangers assistant coach Ulf Samuelsson taking it in. A no-no according to a “gentleman’s agreement.” Samuelsson eventually left.

”Coaches are not allowed to attend practices between games,” Therrien said. ”Game day is different.”

”It’s always been like that. That’s the way it is.”

Of all the things he’s said, this is one thing I agree on with Therrien. I don’t get why Samuelsson was there. It just fuels the fire. Of course, the Montreal coach wasn’t done even making a ridiculous comment in French about Derick Brassard’s return.

That sums it up. Since losing Carey Price, Therrien has done nothing but complain. After losing Game 2, he emphasized needing “bounces and calls” to win. Coincidentally, his team got those bounces to prevail in Game 3. As for the calls, no comment.

It’s amazing that out of all the Rangers opponents, it’s the Canadiens that’s brought out the most hatred. In the first round, the Rangers went about their business defeating the rival Flyers in seven. It was an odd series without much emotion. Against the Pens, the second round comeback was about the team rallying around Martin St. Louis. The Rangers ousted two traditional rivals without getting into a war of words. Brian Boyle summed it up best.

“Winning Game 4 is retribution.”

After failing to win Game 3, they put themselves in this spot. Win tomorrow to prevent the Canadiens from having all the momentum. Game 5 is Tuesday at Bell Centre. What it boils down to is this. There’s no reason the Rangers shouldn’t win the series. It’s not about what’s said off the ice. Actions speak louder than words. Let’s see it.