I think we all sort of agree on McIlrath. He is good to have in the lineup. He adds an element we don't have on D. He is better at this point than Boyle. So at the end of the day I think we all pretty much agree he should play. Where we sort of "disagree" is how we think McIlrath will affect the other team or the game. I am sure other teams know he is tough and will drop the gloves, but I don't think that will stop them from doing whatever they would normally do...see the Stepan hit as Al points out. But that doesn't change the fact that I believe McIlrath should be in over Boyle. I fully believe that, and I think mostly everyone in here agrees.
Derek Stepan will be out 4-6 weeks after suffering two broken ribs last Friday against the Bruins. (NYR) Makes sense. 5 weeks from the injury would be Jan 1st. So early Jan or so he should be back. Kind of what we all thought. Maybe 15-16 or so missed games.
