According to Andrew Gross at Rangers Rants, Derek Stepan told the media he will play tonight against the Lightning. Stepan participated in the morning morning skate today after sitting out yesterday following taking a puck to the ankle on Thursday. After apparently skating gingerly early in practice, Stepan was able to get up to speed. Stepan will not wear anything extra in his equipment to protect the ankle.
Also according to Gross, Marc Staal and Mike Rupp skated significantly more intensely today in comparison with Thursday in Carolina. The fact that both are increasing the intensity is another positive sign that they are without setbacks to this point.
