https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnNeJuaHqmw

Today’s Video Of Day is none other than Derek Stepan’s hat trick against the Devils highlighting the Rangers’ eighth straight win. It was the third of his career.

After missing the first 12 games, Stepan has been quietly putting up points consistently. His three goal barrage gives him 22 (6-16-22) in 21 games. That’s right. He’s over a point-per-game. In fact, during a five-game point streak, he has eight points (4-4-8) and is plus-six.

In his fifth year, this is the best stretch so far. Stepan has been a good performer but never this consistent. Not only is he producing but the 24-year old center has become one of the NHL’s most underrated two-way players. He’s a terror on the penalty kill teaming up with Rick Nash for four shorthanded goals. Stepan has assisted on all three of Nash’s shorties and last night stripped Travis Zajac of the puck and beat Cory Schneider with a backhand five-hole for his first shorthanded goal of the season. Defensively sound, he can be trusted late in games and fittingly was out in the final minute for an empty netter with 54.5 seconds left that sealed the hat trick.

Stepan also has been a factor on the power play. He scored his first power play goal last night when he had the good fortune of a Martin St. Louis one-timer deflect off his upper body and in. A key trigger man, Stepan has six power play assists. Recently, the Rangers have improved on the man-advantage. Over their last five games, they’re 5-for-16 having scored at least one PPG in four.

Every game Stepan tallies a point, he increases his market value. Currently making $3.85 million in the final year of a multi-year deal worth $6.15 million which averages out to $3.075 million, he turns restricted on July 1. It would be wise for Team President and GM Glen Sather to lock him up. The sooner he gets it done, the better. That way Slats can turn his attention to key unrestricted’s Martin St. Louis, Marc Staal and Mats Zuccarello. Carl Hagelin is also restricted.