B. BOYLE COULD BE DIFFERENCE AGAINST BUFFALO

BRIAN BOYLE: PLAYER PROFILE
by Rich Baiocco

Hockey analysts have had Brian Boyle's name in their mouths all season, but it is a bit annoying when their analysis goes no deeper than simply the novelty of the career year big #22 is having. Even Ranger sideman like Al Trautwig and Stan 'Tuna on Melba Toast with Pickles breath' Fischler can't interview the big man without pointing out their amazement with the season he's put together, and never hesitate to ask "did you ever think a 4th line grinder like yourself would score 20 goals?"

Well, it's amazing, but it's no fluke people! Brian Boyle was a first round draft pick out of Boston College, and you don't go that high unless scouts see a potential in you, even though sometimes there's a learning curve. The hard-nosed behemoth worked diligently in the off season on his skating stride, and the combination of his newfound speed and low center of gravity makes him a powerful, puck-protecting NHL forward--the fact that he's 6'7 and uses his gangly wingspan to pick off passes and annoy the rushing opposition makes him a threat. True Blueshirt fans know that Brian Boyle has been one of the most consistent Rangers all year, leading the team in Games Played, and at the top of the heap in Goals with 21 heading into tonight's tussle with Buffalo. But what impresses me most is that this season also finds him surpassing his career plus/minus, moving from a -6 last year to a +5 now. Coach Tortorella has noticed too, utilizing Boyle in all situations at any time of the game as evidenced in Boston where the hometown kid clocked in nearly 20:00 minutes of ice time in a tight one-goal game.

Another aspect of #22's game that I really appreciate this season is the emergence of his wicked streak, an intimidating development that has come with his maturity and comfort being part of the young nucleus on this Blueshirt club. Notice how often Boyle sticks up for his teammates--Lundqvist especially--quick to horse-collar an opposing forward who is getting out of line in our crease. All the Rangers stick up for each other this year, but Boyle seems to have his nose in as many scrums as possible.

In tonight's battle against Buffalo, Brian Boyle's size can be the difference between a win and a loss. Last time the Sabres were in town we were stymied by Ryan Miller, and though he played with Olympian ferver, we really didn't do a good enough job getting to the front of the net and screening some bodies in front of him. We were also in the midst of our worst homestand of the season, dropping 3 straight and hardly lighting the red lamp. Tonight we are riding a different kind of steady momentum and with a playoff spot literally hanging in the balance for one (if not both) of these two teams every edge counts. And if your edge is 6'7 with a healthy disdain for opposing forwards, a loyalty to team defense and over 20 goals on the season, it can make quite a difference.

Zucc back in the lineup tonight?? We'll see.
Lets Go Rangers!