Hartnett: Nearing The End, Rangers' Boyle Wants To Go Out On Top

By Sean Hartnett
» More Columns

Rangers defenseman Dan Boyle can see the light at the end of the tunnel. In all likelihood, the 2016 NHL playoffs will be the 39-year-old's swan song and he is hoping to close out his 17-year career in style.

With a really big trophy.

"Even though there's just a little left, I'm still looking to come out on top," Boyle told WFAN.com in an exclusive interview. "Some days are better than others. Some days I feel like I'm 22; some days I feel like I'm 42. For the most part, these guys keep me young. I think I've done a pretty good job."

With just eight more games to go before the playoffs, Boyle is savoring what could be final visits to some of his favorite arenas. Last Saturday, he visited SAP Center in San Jose, where he spent six seasons as a member of the Sharks. Barring the Rangers and Sharks meeting in the Stanley Cup Final, it was probably his last time he would relax in the visiting dressing room and skate on "The Shark Tank" ice.

"Every player towards the end of his career reflects on stuff in the past," Boyle said. "I know being in San Jose, for example, was probably the last time I'm going to be there. I am trying to enjoy every moment. More importantly, I'm still focused on what's ahead and not so much on what's behind."

Although 1,212 combined regular season and playoff games have caused a high degree of wear and tear, Boyle still looks lively for his age. He can still pull out a clever trick or two to fool an opponent 15 years his junior. His graying beard can be deceiving, given the youthfulness still left in his skates and his creative hands.

MORE: Hartnett: Yandle Proving Nightly His High Value To The Rangers

The biggest difference in how Boyle handles himself now is how he manages his body. Off-ice training has increased, while alcohol is out of the picture. Boyle has employed a teetotaling approach to ensure he and the Rangers have the best chance of drinking from Lord Stanley at season's end.

"I don't have the late nights anymore like I used to," Boyle said. "No drinking – stuff like that. I definitely take care of my body differently than I did when I was 21. That's for sure. It takes a lot more work off the ice, that's for sure. On the ice, I still feel the same way that I did before. The more I play, the better I feel. That's the adjustment."

He is the wise, old sage of this Rangers team. Teammate J.T. Miller, who is all of 23, credits Boyle for serving as a teacher and a mentor. Miller has discovered an added measure of consistency this season, setting career highs with 20 goals, 20 assists and 40 points.

"For the last couple of years, especially last year ... I was going through this process," Miller told WFAN.com. "I was up and down in a lot of things. (Boyle has) been really great to me, teaching me things and to be patient. He had a similar start to his career a long time ago. He's just somebody you can look up to and try to be a sponge when you're around him.

"The game is tough, especially this time of year," Miller continued. "He finds a way to keep it light and stays focused. Obviously, you're doing something right if you're playing at that age. He's a funny guy. He does some things differently than a lot of guys. I think it's probably why he's been playing for so long. He's someone I can look up to and learn from."

With the upcoming playoffs likely his final hurrah, Boyle reflected on what it means to be a Ranger. While no longer being leaned on for 25-27 minutes a game like he was during his heyday with Tampa and San Jose, Boyle said he appreciates representing the famous Original Six Blueshirts and the challenge of adjusting to being more of a role player in New York.

"To be in the NHL to begin with is an honor and privilege," Boyle said. "This organization treats its players a little extra special than other organizations. It's a honor. I'm just doing what I can when my number gets called. When I go out there, I'm obviously in a different role than in years past. This is kind of the reality of what it is. I'm just doing the best I can when I go out there on the ice."

Boyle just wants to be part of the Rangers' winning puzzle. The challenge of continuing to play at a high level at an advanced age and the dream of lifting a second Stanley Cup is what's driving him. The Rangers are hoping that when the playoffs come around, he can help give them one big final push.

Follow Sean on Twitter at @HartnettHockey