Rangers ‘really happy’ with Victor Mancini despite assigning him to AHL Hartford
In a way, Victor Mancini has exceeded all expectations to this point with the New York Rangers. So, it’s not a surprise that coach Peter Laviolette was full of praise for the 22-year-old rookie even after the Rangers assigned him to Hartford of the American Hockey League.
Mancini forced his way on to the Rangers roster after a terrific preseason and training camp. He was in the opening-night lineup and had four points, including his first NHL goal, in nine games. The University of Nebraska-Omaha product showed that he can handle himself in the NHL and has the makings of a quality defenseman in the League moving forward.
However, he was a healthy scratch the past four games, and Laviolette clearly likes what he has in Zac Jones and Braden Schneider on the third pair. Hence the decision to send Mancini back to the minors.
“He did a real good job here. We’re really happy with him,” Laviolette said following the morning skate Thursday.
Mancini will get the opportunity to play major minutes at even strength, power play and penalty kill with the Wolf Pack. That was the original plan for him this season anyway. So, he’s actually well ahead of the game having banked nearly two months in the NHL. From the Rangers perspective, this is all nothing but a positive with a true defenseman prospect, something they don’t have much of in the immediate pipeline.
In fact, seeing the way Mancini handled himself in the NHL could ease the Rangers concerns about likely losing pending UFA Ryan Lindgren and/or trading captain Jacob Trouba when this season ends. One can easily envision Mancini playing on the right side next season.
But first things first. Mancini still has plenty to work on this season.
Related: Rangers coach says Zac Jones, Braden Schneider ‘warranting more ice time’
Rangers want Victor Mancini to grow his game in minor leagues
The Rangers love Mancini’s skating ability, two-way skills and size (6-foot-3, 229 pounds). But he must improve in his own end of the rink.
After a strong start, Mancini’s numbers dipped badly. His 33.46 xGF percentage is worst on the Rangers, per Natural Stat Trick. New York was out-shot 93-49 with him on the ice, and out-chanced 91-48. And it was getting progressively worse.
Things have gotten much better on the third pair since Jones reentered the lineup. He and Schneider probably have been New York’s most consistent pair the past four games.
Laviolette said “there’s a little bit of chemistry there,” and acknowledged that twosome deserves more ice time.
The coach also reunited K’Andre Miller with Adam Fox and paired Lindgren with Trouba for the Rangers home game Thursday against the San Jose Sharks. Miller has not fared well at all partnered with Trouba recently, necessitating the changes in the top four.
Speaking of top four, that role beckons Mancini in Hartford now, beginning with its game against the Charlotte Checkers on Friday. Mancini played seven regular-season games and 10 in the Calder Cup Playoffs with Hartford after leaving college last season.
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