Yesterday, Derek Stepan was a guest on the Michael Kay Radio Show (ESPN Radio) and discussed his Game 3 winner, Marc Staal's return to the line-up and more...

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...very similar to Chris Drury, Derek Stepan isn't the most skilled player in the NHL but he's a winner who's able to get every ounce out of his ability.

...i'm still amazed with the progression of his game this season. I never expected him to be a player who was going to be relied on for offense. And he's just 22!

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Bergen Record - John Moore earning his keep for Rangers

Bergen Record - Capitals follow Devils' blueprint

Bergen Record - Rangers’ three keys for Game 4

New York Post - Rangers hope to maintain mojo on offense

New York Post - Rangers center Boyle regains magic touch in playoffs

New York Post - Rangers power play gets Moore punch

Daily News - Moore boosts Rangers' power play

Daily News - Ovechkin not 'tired' in loss to Rangers, says Caps coach

New York Times - Rangers Discover Gem Buried on Depth Charts

Newsday - Lundqvist staying on his toes against Capitals

Newsday - Moore making an impact on power play

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Update, 5:12 p.m.:
One interesting angle to keep an eye on is how the NHL/Rangers will react when they find out one of their players is being sponsored by a foreign gambling company. Can't imagine this will go over too well with Bettman or the Dolans.

...Foxwoods is going to be pissed!!!!

H/T to reader sureshore for bringing this up.

Original Post:
According to Norwegian website Nettavisen, Matts Zuccarello is in jeopardy of being kicked off the Norwegian National team due to his newest sponsorship with betting company Unibet.

Apparently, the Norwegian Ice Hockey Federation is financed by the state owned betting company called Norsk Tipping and Zuccarello's new agreement is causing a conflict.

The Federation says they warned Zuccarello of the consequences of signing such a deal with Unibet.

Zuccarello's manager Kevin Skabo disagrees saying dismissal was never brought up when the two sides discussed the possible Zuccarello/Unibet sponsorship earlier this year...

"They also said that they were grateful that we went to them first. We received no specific threats of expulsion, then, it can not remember. But it has always hung in the air over threats athletes in such situations."

Both sides would like to work this out but will wait until Zuccarello's season with the Rangers is over.

If the Rangers would have been swept by the Capitals there could have been a chance he played for the World Cup team if the Federation allowed.

...looks like the Dolans aren't the only greedy ones in the sport of hockey. Disgusting how this can happen with a national team. This is very similar to the 1992 USA Olympic Basketball Dream Team when Team USA was sponsored by Reebok, but players like Michael Jordan had their own sponsorship with Nike. That issue worked itself out and I'm sure this will to.

#NYR on ice at practice. Clowe is skating again. Nash and Powe not on the ice. Maintenance day for Nash.

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 7, 2013

Andrew Gross at the Bergen Record adds that Clowe did some contact drills today.

...i'm still in shock Clowe didn't play last night, but happy to see the Rangers being cautious with him.

...hoping he'll be ready for Game 4 tomorrow and give the Rangers the same kind of lift Staal did last night.

Gross also notes that the Rangers did not provide an update on Darroll Powe, who likely suffered a concussion last night.

Marc Staal's 17:17 of ice time in his return to the Rangers line-up was for the most part uneventful. But the effect on his teammates was more than noticeable.

Here's Derek Stepan on the defensman's impact (via New York Post)...

"It’s huge. He makes the D-core calm,” said Derek Stepan. “He’s got a presence about him that he can just control a game. He did a great job tonight. ... He found a way to get back to himself and I couldn’t be happier for him.

“Everyone really adores Marc. I know it’s a cheesy way to say it but we do.”

John Tortorella added (via Bergen Record)...

"He's so well respected in the room. This is two major injuries he's come back from. So, even before you step on the ice, I think that really helps your room."

Here's Staal on the eye...

As we all know, John Tortorella isn't the biggest fan of the post game press conference. So after being peppered by questions for over seven minutes he decided he needed some help (7:14 mark)...

To watch at Blueshirts United, click here.

...absolutely hysterical. What's ironic is that was the most comfortable and forthcoming I've seen Torts during a post game presser since he's become the head coach of the Rangers.

...and while the reporters found it amusing, you can be assured that Torts was dead serious about wanting the questions to stop.

The only thing better than a Derek Brassard goal is his celebration.

The guy is absolutely taking advantage of his new lease on life in New York and loving every minute of it.

Here's Brassard, who was named the first star of Game 3, after his 1g, 2a night (via Blueshirts United)...

“Tonight was pretty much do or die for us, but the guys really competed hard for 60 minutes; now with a win we are 2-2 in the series. Just the fact we came back in our building helped a lot. we had some fun tonight.”

Here's video of Brassard's first career playoff goal...

Bergen Record:
- Rangers beat Capitals, 4-3, as power play, penalty kill step up

- Rangers notes: Darroll Powe injured in win

- Marc Staal's return gives Rangers much-needed jump-start

- Gross: Rangers shouldn't give up yet on Chris Kreider

New York Post:
- Derek's goal cuts Caps' lead to 2-1

- It’s a ‘special’ comeback for Staal

- Brassard lights up Garden

Daily News:
- Home Sweet Home: Rangers win Game 3

- Bondy: Rangers finally get some breaks, and some goals

Newsday:
- Rangers find offense to beat Caps in Game 3

- Staal's return gives Rangers a lift

- Rangers' power play shows plenty of life

New York Times:
- A Late Goal, and Then a Late Stand

- Tortorella Said It Was Close, and He Was Right

H/T to reader Matty W. for Post cover.

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The New York Rangers defeated the Washington Capitals by the score of 4-3, tonight to cut the Capitals series lead to 2-1. For a box score, go to Yahoo! Sports.

...and we have ourselves a series, folks! My heart is still racing after that final minute. Talk about frantic.

...loved the urgency and desperation from a team that hasn't being very willing to play that way this season.

...it's amazing what happens when Torts spreads the ice time around. Hoping the fact that the bottom half of the Rangers line-up out played the top half convinces Torts to stick with that game plan.

...a month and a half ago Brassard was dying on a vine in Columbus, now he's being named first star in Game 3 of the playoffs.

...Boyle goes to the net hard and scores. Funny how that works. Haven't seen him that aggressive since round one last season.

...all of my disappointment in Asham this season dissipated with one flick of the wrist.

...ladies and gentlemen, your New York Rangers power play quarterback of the future...John Moore!!!!!!

Update, 7:06 p.m.

Reports have Staal taking warm-ups with Stralman. Eminger is odd man out.

Clowe not out for warm-ups and won't be playing.

...shocked Clowe isn't in the line-up.

Update, 5:57 p.m.:

#NYR Rangers have activated defenseman Marc Staal (eye) off injured reserve

— Katie Strang (@KatieStrangESPN) May 6, 2013

...assuming this means he's in. Not sure why they'd take him off if he's not. Wonder if Torts goes with seven defensemen just in case.

Original Post:
The New York Rangers host the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals match-up starting at 7:30 p.m. The Capitals lead the series 2-0. For a preview go to Yahoo! Sports.

Rangers Game Notes

TV: MSG; Radio: ESPN Radio (98.7 FM), XM 212

Live Stream (Don't click on ads in stream, may download virus):
http://www.firstrow1.eu/watch/185266/1/watch-new-york-rangers-vs-washington-capitals.html

Probable Lines:
Nash-Richards-Zuccarello
Hagelin-Stepan-Callahan
Pyatt-Brassard-Dorsett
Powe-Boyle-Asham

McDonagh-Girardi
Staal-Stralman
Moore-Del Zotto

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist - 0-2, 1.90 gaa, .941 sv%, 0 so.

Braden Holtby - 2-0, 0.47 gaa, .983 sv%, 1 so

Opponent Notes:
- The Capitals penalty kill unit is 7-for-7 in the series.