[Ed. note: As part of the build-up to the first round playoff series between the Capitals and the Rangers, Japers’ Rink will be looking at some of the important but lesser-known players on the Rangers and how they might impact the series.]
Brian Boyle
#22 / Center / New York Rangers
6-7
244
Dec 18, 1984
Hingham, Massachusetts
26th overall, 2003 by Los Angeles
| Assets | Has impressive size and the ability to play a checking role. A natural center, he’s also able to play wing and even defense. Is a tremendous athlete. |
| Flaws | Has had difficulty in finding his NHL niche, party due to his mammoth size. Lacks the required skill to play a scoring role at the highest level. Isn’t a great setup man. |
| Career Potential | Huge role player best suited to play as a checking center. (Assets, Flaws and Career Potential via SB Nation player page) |
Why you should know who he is – If there’s one Ranger happy to see the Caps, it’s probably the mountainous Boyle. In his breakout 2010-11 season, one-fifth of his 35 points (and four of his 14 assists) came in four games against the Caps. In fact, in those four games, Boyle had three multi-point games, blocked a dozen shots on goal, and dished out eight hits. So actually, as a Caps fan, you’re probably already well aware of who he is.
How the Caps can stop him – Since the last time he faced the Caps, Boyle has had just one goal, three assists and a minus-3 rating in 18 games, so he’s pretty much been stopping himself. Keep the big rig to the outside or at the very least tie up his stick and Boyle shouldn’t cause too much trouble.
