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Wojtek Wolski might be early winner of the Richards-Gaborik sweepstakes

wolskiandtortsap

James

New York Rangers forward Wojtek Wolski looks primed to face a fascinating fork in the road in the 2011-12 season. The inconsistent but skilled winger is no stranger to up and down moments, but we could find out a lot about him in the beginning of next season.

Although his golden opportunity might get derailed by a groin injury, NHL.com points to Wolski as the frontrunner for the Rangers’ top left wing spot. First-line minutes are never something to sneeze at, but this could be even more special because of his potential linemates: Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik.

On the positive end, that’s an amazing chance to put up boffo numbers. That being said, if he can’t make it work with those two, it might be time to ship him to a lower-level league where he can float in relative anonymity.

Like many NHL head coaches, John Tortorella is known for going through lineup changes more often than Madonna changes her accent. Brandon Dubinsky, Ruslan Fedotenko and Brian Boyle could also earn time at the left wing spot. Still, for the sake of the team’s balance, things would work better with Wolski on line one.

While Dubinsky would be an amazing fit because he brings some grit (and a right-handed shot) to what would be a finesse-driven line, moving him away from Ryan Callahan would rob the Rangers of a difference-making complimentary duo. Fedotenko and Boyle are probably best suited for lower line duties, although Boyle’s big body could provide an interesting element to the line.

Overall, Wolski fits better by default, but he’ll need to seize the opportunity if he gets it.
Wolski shared his thoughts on playing with such skilled forwards.

Tortorella expects Wolski to be ready for Wednesday’s practice at Ericsson Globe Arena. If he’s back doing line rushes with Richards and Gaborik, we’ll have our answer.

“To be able to play with those types of players gives you a better opportunity every night to win, to play well and to be consistent,” Wolski said. “As a forward, I’m supposed to put myself in position where I’m playing among the top-six guys. That’s usually what is counted of me. I have to be creative and I want as much ice time as possible.”


It’s hard to believe that Wolski sports ideal NHL size because of it frequently goes to waste because of his passive style. He would be wise to break those habits and bring that above-average frame to the net for a bounty of garbage goals. Richards’ sublime passes should open up frequent tap-in goal opportunities while Gaborik’s speed and fearsome skills should divert plenty of defensive attention.

If Wolski could ever choose a time to assert himself, this would be it.