Boyle One of Rangers Most Important Players

Ian Altenbaugh at Hockey’s Future says that Brian Boyle is one of the Atlantic Division’s unsung players, as well as major key to the Rangers success…

“Towering center Brian Boyle may be one of the most important players on the Rangers roster though he rarely comes up in conversation. Standing at 6’7, it’s hard not to miss Boyle, especially when he is throwing his 244-pound frame around in the corners and along the boards. But his importance goes far beyond the physical presence he provides. Boyle has taken the second-most faceoffs on the Rangers roster behind only Brad Richards, is second on the team (and 14th in the league) with 223 hits, and has a fairly solid offensive skill-set. He even managed 21 goals last season while playing mostly as a third-line center. Boyle currently is the Rangers top shutdown forward, often playing with wingers Artem Anisimov and Brandon Prust.”

…with players like Lundqvist, Gaborik, Richards and Callahan on the team, you’d think it’d be foolish to say Boyle is one of the most important players on the roster. But I have to agree with Altenbaugh. Boyle has been counted on to take big face-offs, he’s huge on the pk and when Torts remembers, he can be affective on the power play.

…and it looks like he’s been talking with Babs Underhill again, as his scoring touch has returned recently.

…Boyle is one of those guys that all winning teams have. He does all the little things to help the team win.

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