[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.]
Wojtek Wolski
#86 / Left Wing / New York Rangers
6-3
215
Feb 24, 1986
Zabrze, Poland
21st overall, 2004 by Colorado
| Assets | Has excellent scoring instincts and tremendous puck-handling skills. Owns plenty of size to be able to handle the physical play of the pro game. Can play both center and wing. |
| Flaws | Lacks intensity at times. Doesn’t use his 6-3 frame enough to score in high-traffic areas. Also needs more work without the puck, and in defensive-zone coverage. |
| Career Potential | Inconsistent scoring forward with great talent. (Assets, Flaws and Career Potential via SB Nation player page) |
Why you should know who he is – Despite being a healthy scratch at times for John Tortorella this year, Wolski still has the ability to be an offensive threat and actually has a higher goals-per-game average (0.32) during the playoffs than he does during the regular season (0.23). On a Ranger team that can sometimes struggle with offense – despite the Caps’ two notable experiences to the contrary – he could provide valuable secondary scoring.
How the Caps can stop him – The book on Wolski is that he’s a big body but he doesn’t use it, and that he struggles with defensive coverage. To shut him down (and even use him to their advantage) the Caps will have to be physical with him – force him into high traffic areas where he’s less comfortable, limit his time and space and put pressure on him to force turnovers.
