[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.]
Brandon Dubinsky
#17 / Center / New York Rangers
6-1
205
Apr 29, 1986
Anchorage, AK, USA
60th overall in 2004
Via Draft
| Strengths | Is defensively responsible and a capable two-way pivot. Scores big goals and does whatever his team needs to win. Has leadership qualities. |
| Weaknesses | Doesn’t possess natural goal-scoring acumen, so his work rate cannot let up at any time. Needs to avoid taking bad penalties. |
| Potential | Second line center. |
Why you should know who he is – Dubinsky is a player who, in many ways, is tailor-made for the playoffs: he’s tough, he loves to battle down low, he’s more than capable defensively, and he always thinks about team first. That attitude and drive has translated into production; Dubinsky has been at least as productive in the playoffs as in the regular season in the WHL, AHL, and NHL.
How the Caps can stop him – Dubinsky’s success is based as much on willpower as pure skill. If the Capitals can match his effort, both in the offensive and defensive zones, their skill will enough to get the better of the young center.