UPDATE 7:30AM: This post was written around 11pm last night and news came later then that, that Rangers first round pick Chris Kreider may have been a healthy scratch last night.

….Patience….

Original Post: The US Junior team defeated their Russian counterparts 8-1 in the the first of four games for the USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp.

Rangers prospect Ryan Bourque scored a goal and Derek Stepan added an assist in the rout.

The full recap can be found at USA Hockey. Hat tip to Beyond the Blueshirts for tipping me off on Twitter last night.

…Derek Stepan is one of the Rangers prospects that I am most excited about. He seems to have loads a talent, which should be expected for a second round pick, and to be progressing at each new level and benchmark. Bourque, of course, has the legendary bloodlines and has been the name that many people have told me to look out for. Then again, you shouldn’t have to be sold on a Bourque. As for Chris Kreider, the Rangers first round pick needs to be looked at with patience. I wouldn’t go off the deep end if he doesn’t have a big series with the Russians as he has a long time to develop.