Now officially an NHL player, New York Rangers defenseman Victor Mancini is gearing up for his first regular-season game at Madison Square Garden after a strong NHL debut on Wednesday, where the Rangers achieved a 6-0 victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In his debut, Mancini performed well, logging 17:27 of ice time and registering one shot on goal during the dominant win. He is now preparing to take on the Utah Hockey Club at home this Saturday.
“It feels good to have a game under my belt,” Mancini said on Friday. “I know it’s still early, but to get out there, take my first hit, make my first play, and start adjusting to the game’s speed and physicality has been important. I aim to improve day by day.”
Mancini faced off against stars like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin during his first NHL game, a formidable challenge he handled well, even receiving some playful jabs from Crosby.
“Playing in that building the other night, even though it wasn’t home, was a significant event,” said coach Peter Laviolette. “For his first game in front of a sold-out crowd against elite players, it was a big moment.”
As he adapts to the NHL, Mancini has managed to stay composed, especially with Ryan Lindgren currently sidelined due to injury. While Lindgren’s return is uncertain, Mancini appears set to remain in the lineup for now.
“It’s been great,” he mentioned. “Everyone has been really supportive as I adjust to the professional lifestyle. Being able to learn from the team and get to know everyone has been enjoyable.”
Regardless of how long he’ll be with the Rangers, these games are crucial for Mancini’s growth—not just in skill but also in understanding his role on a contending team.
“What’s special about this team is that everyone contributes differently, but we all share the same goal: to win,” Mancini explained.
At just 22, Mancini adds significant value to the team, whether through physical play, smart puck movement, or contributing offensively—as shown during the preseason where he scored two goals. While the exact number of games he’ll play this season remains uncertain, he is expected to play a vital role moving forward. Fans can anticipate an exciting performance on Saturday.
“Returning to MSG and the thrill of playing in front of our fans in New York City is pretty special,” Laviolette noted. “I’m sure he’ll be eager for that game.”
