VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The most coveted spot in the Rangers’ lineup is the opening on the first line, which features Marian Gaborik on right wing and Vinny Prospal either in the middle or on left wing.
Tonight, when the Blueshirts face the Canucks in the opener of the three-game tour through western Canada, Chris Higgins, who has yet to score a goal in 14 games and who has been bounced from one line to another (and to the bench), is likely to get first crack at filling it, playing left wing while Prospal skates in the middle.
“I don’t think you ever find three guys who fit together perfectly,” said coach John Tortorella, who previously has turned to Brandon Dubinsky (at center) and Enver Lisin (on the wing) to fill the hole. “I think you’re pretty fortunate to get two, which is what we have with Vinny and Gabby.
“Who the third guy is, I don’t know. Higgy will probably get a shot at it, and we’ll see how that goes. You know, there’s been complaining about the lack of production from our forwards, but there’s no sense complaining unless you’re willing to give the guys help along the way, and this is one way to help him.”
Gaborik was tied for fifth in the NHL in scoring going into last night’s games with 19 points (11-8) and was second in goals. Prospal was tied for eighth with 18 points (4-14) and third in assists. This while Prospal has shuttled between the wing and the middle.
“Whether Vinny lines up at center or on the wing is a function of both the way he’s playing and the way the rest of the team is constructed,” Tortorella said. “I think he’s played better in the middle, but is that the long-term solution? I still don’t know.”
Prospal, perhaps the league’s greatest salary-cap bargain at $1.15 million for one year following his puzzling buyout by the Lightning, reiterated yesterday that his preference is Tortorella’s . . . whatever that might be.
“It doesn’t make a difference to me anymore,” said the 34-year-old natural center who primarily played the wing for Tortorella in Tampa. “It’s nice for a coach when he has confidence that he can use a player in different spots and not be fixed in the lineup.”
Lisin, who will probably miss tonight’s game with a badly bruised instep, brought speed to the unit. Dubinsky, as a center, brought grit and a forecheck mentality. Prospal wasn’t able to cite specific skills necessary to become a contributing partner to the Gabby and Vinny Show.
“That’s really for Torts to decide,” Prospal said. “Right now, a lot of times he goes by what just happened in the game, whoever just had the best shift and looks like he could jell with us.”
But even if Dubinsky is the best fit among current Rangers, Tortorella is hesitant to load up on top and create a powerhouse first line if that weakens the rest of the attack and makes his team easier to check.
“It’s always the question,” Tortorella said. “I liked Dubi there, but I also like the way his line with Ryan Callahan and Sean Avery played on Sunday, and playing him there gives us better balance.
“I don’t know what the answer is yet.”
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Henrik Lundqvist is expected to make his 14th start in 16 games for the 9-5-1 Rangers.