Victor Mancini proved once again why he deserves a spot on the New York Rangers opening night roster.
Through Tuesday night’s preseason game against the Devils, Mancini was flashy in a number of different ways.
The 22-year-old defenseman is a very impressive skater as he’s quick for a tall blueliner like himself.
He uses his agility to both impact the game offensively and defensively at a high level that has been noticeable to all watching him through training camp and the preseason.
Mancini scored a goal on Tuesday night, marking his second of the preseason.
Over the past couple of weeks, Mancini has continued to get more comfortable and it’s starting to show.
“I think it’s been showing a little bit every game,” Mancini said about his confidence. “Starting up in the D-zone going all the way into the offensive zone.”
The 2022 fifth-round pick is a multi-dimensional defenseman who’s high hockey IQ is impressive for a young player trying to break into the NHL.
At the start of training camp, it didn’t seem like Mancini was even competing for a roster spot, but he’s been able to catch the eye of Rangers coach Peter Laviolette.
“He’s played well,” Laviolette said. “He’s played in a lot of scrimmages and a lot of games for us, has got a lot of ice time… He was definitely sharp with his game, his skating, his puck moving, ability to jump in offensively.”
With Ryan Lindgren out for a few weeks, there is an open spot on the blueline and it’s Mancini’s job to lose.
