Rangers prospect Victor Mancini focused on ‘being a sponge’

After a strong showing in his first two preseason games and throughout training camp, New York Rangers prospect Victor Mancini is staying focused on his game, rather than on the pressure of earning a roster spot with the big club.

“I try to keep it simple, down to a few phrases,” Mancini explained Thursday morning. “I think first is just ‘be a sponge’. Take everything in, be grateful for what we have here and that I get to experience this. Just stick to my game, play my game.”

Mancini quickly inserted himself into the conversation to be a part of the top-seven defensemen who will earn a spot on New York’s roster by scoring a goal and adding an assist to cap off an impressive preseason debut against the Boston Bruins in a 3-2 win at TD Garden on Sunday. He was one of the most noticeable players — and one of the most talked-about players after that game.

He added two shots in 20:01 of ice time in his second preseason contest, a 5-2 win against the Bruins at Madison Square Garden on Thursday. Though he didn’t hit the score sheet, Mancini made a terrific defensive play to start a scoring play the other way that was finished by Jonny Brodzinski.

Is the pressure getting to him? Well, not exactly.

“I don’t really think it changes,” Mancini said when asked about his approach following his two-point night. “Obviously (I was) very excited to score that goal, but the process doesn’t change, you come back to the rink the next day, and you have to keep putting in the work, you have to keep working hard. It’s awesome, but the process doesn’t change.”

Related: 3 Rangers takeaways from preseason win against Bruins

Mancini not focused on pressure of making Rangers roster

The 2022 fifth-round pick got his first taste of professional hockey last season when he debuted with the Hartford Wolf Pack, the Rangers’ AHL affiliate. He played in seven regular-season games, earning three assists, then had three assists in 10 playoff games, helping the Wolf Pack reach the Atlantic Division Final.

It is possible that Mancini will get more chances to impress the Rangers brass, with three preseason games left to play. Coach Peter Laviolette has been impressed with the 22-year-old to this point.

“I think he’s had a really good camp,” Laviolette said . “I thought he was noticeable in the rookie games in Philadelphia. I thought he played well down there. He’s looked good in scrimmages and practices. He’s played well in exhibitions, so, yeah, he’s in the mix with others.”

Mancini’s stock rising as Rangers training camp continues

Mancini is battling with Zac Jones, Chad Ruhwedel, Matthew Robertson, and Connor Mackey to see who will take the sixth and seventh spots on the roster. With Ryan Lindgren injured and listed as week to week, Mancini’s chances have gotten even better.

His play so far must have impressed Laviolette and the staff; Mancini was in Lindgren’s place as Adam Fox’s partner on the first defensive pair at practice Friday.

Lindgren typically plays on the left side. Mancini is a right-handed shot but said he’s open to playing either side and willing to play in any situation.

“I’ve played on the left side before,” Mancini said. “Obviously, I play on the right side most of the time, but I’m going to do whatever I can do to best help the team — and if they want me to play on the left side, I can do that.”

Laviolette has been impressed with Mancini’s ability to play on the left side.

“I think some people really struggle on their off sides and then some people don’t care – it doesn’t matter, they go out and the same game,” he said Friday. “The conversation was that he’d played it (the left side) in the past, and so there’s an opportunity to jump in and fill a spot right now. We’re just looking at all possibilities through training camp.”

While his stock has risen considerably since the start of the preseason, Mancini isn’t focusing on that. He knows the Rangers are a team with good depth and talent on the back end.

“I’m just worried about myself,” Mancini said when asked if he thinks he can make the Rangers. “This team is so good; they’re gearing up for another playoff run. I just want to go out, put my best foot forward.

“I’m just kind of worried about myself right now, and to go out and enjoy being here, enjoy the process, and enjoy being here.”

Subscribe now on YouTube and be part of a community where passion for the New York Rankers knows no bounds!

More must-reads:

• Rangers center calls signing decision ‘no brainer’ despite likely assignment to minors
• Reilly Smith trying to play ‘connected hockey’ with star Rangers linemates
• Rangers coach impressed with Zac Jones’ growing confidence