Frank Vatrano thriving with bigger role since Rangers trade

Of all of the Rangers’ new additions, Frank Vatrano is the one one whose mindset hasn’t needed to change.

Andrew Copp got here from the Jets, whose final hopes for a wild-card spot are dwindling. Justin Braun got here from the Flyers, the second-to-last crew within the Metropolitan Division. And Tyler Motte was traded from the Canucks, who're in the same boat as Winnipeg.

Vatrano got here to New York in a cap-space-clearing commerce by the Panthers, one of many few NHL groups who've had a greater season than the Rangers. Florida’s 94 factors and 44-15-6 document ranked second within the league getting into Monday, whereas its 264 objectives thus far this season led the NHL. Vatrano went from one playoff crew to a different. 

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Frank Vatrano mentioned that successful groups should imagine that each opponent might be on their A-game to keep up a successful mentality.

AP

In his first press convention as a Ranger, following the Blueshirts’ St. Patrick’s Day loss to the Islanders, Vatrano talked concerning the mentality prime NHL groups will need to have to achieve success. Irrespective of the place your opponent is within the standings, he mentioned, you at all times need to anticipate everybody to carry their A-game in opposition to you.  

That’s the type of infectious mindset the Rangers can solely hope will unfold all through their locker room as a playoff berth nears.

Vatrano averaged 12:12 of ice time this season with the Panthers, whose depth relegated the 28-year-old to an inconsistent fourth-line function. Since becoming a member of the Rangers, Vatrano has jumped proper into the highest six with winger Kaapo Kakko nonetheless on injured reserve.

“My entire profession I’ve been up and down the lineup, taking part in in prime six, taking part in in backside six,” Vatrano mentioned after scoring two objectives within the Rangers’ 5-4 extra time win in opposition to the Sabres on Sunday. “While you’re put in a spot to play within the prime six, generally you'll be able to change your sport and never play the best way you normally play. However you study as you go alongside, you’re put in that spot due to the best way you’ve been taking part in. You don’t have to vary the best way you play.

“For me, that’s simply bringing a easy sport, shifting my toes, being bodily and attempting to make performs at any time when they’re there.”

Frank Vatrano has joined the highest line alongside Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad

AP

After lining up on the left wing of Artemi Panarin and Ryan Strome in his first 4 video games, Vatrano has skated on the highest line with Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad within the final two. The latter mixture has discovered on the spot success, with Vatrano scoring three objectives since becoming a member of the primary unit.

The brand new-look prime line has outscored opponents 3-0 and held a 14-4 benefit in photographs, along with creating 5 high-danger possibilities and permitting just one, in accordance with Pure Stat Trick.

Vatrano, who logged a season-high 18:19 of ice time Sunday, has now scored 4 objectives in his first six video games with the Blueshirts.

“For us, it’s simply utilizing our velocity and conserving the play easy,” Vatrano mentioned of his line. “I believe we’ve been doing that since we’ve been a line. It’s solely been a few video games now, however I believe each sport, we’re getting higher.”

Head coach Gerard Gallant famous that issues will change when Kakko, and Kevin Rooney, are wholesome. There might be new line combos to think about, however Vatrano has saved the top-six seat fairly heat.