On the first day of autumn, the Rangers had their first exhibition game against the Bruins up in Boston. They defeated the Bruins 3-2.

A young prospect who impressed was defenseman Victor Mancini. He scored and set up a goal in the win. Originally a fifth round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, the 22-year-old Mancini spent three years in college playing for the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

After registering four goals and six assists for 10 points in 40 games during 2023-24, he joined the Hartford Wolf Pack near the end of the season. He tallied three assists in seven games. During the Calder Cup Playoffs, he added three helpers in 10 games.

Mancini is listed at six-foot four, 215 pounds. In last night’s preseason match, the right defenseman showed the ability to get into transition and join the rush to create offense. With the Blueshirts trailing early in the first period, he took an Anton Blidh feed up top and beat Bruins goalie Brandon Bussi with a good wrist shot to tie the score.

In a game where the only starting defenseman was Braden Schneider, Mancini played a team high 23:06 for Rangers coach Peter Laviolette. He played with poise and skated well. Late in the first period, he helped set up Filip Chytil on the power play to make it 2-1. Will Cuylle found Chytil open in the right circle for his first of the preseason.

Throughout the contest, Mancini’s name was called often by Sam Rosen on MSG Network. He stood out for the right reasons. He was used in all facets, including the power play and penalty kill. The Rangers had to like what they saw from the Saginaw, Michigan native.

Mancini will enter his first pro season with the Wolf Pack. While there’s cause for optimism, it’s only one game. However, Garden faithful should get another look at Mancini before he gets reassigned. Seeing a younger face make an impression is exciting. That’s what these games are for. The organization knows what the established veterans can do. The regulars will get in a couple of games to prepare for the start of the season. They don’t need much more to get ready.

Chytil Looks Good

In the victory over the Bruins, Chytil looked good. A key to the season, the center must stay healthy. He played with Cuylle and Kaapo Kakko on Sunday night. They’re expected to be his regular line mates when things get rolline on Oct. 9 at Pittsburgh.

The 25-year-old Czech was flying during the match. He’s always possessed excellent speed and skating. Those are his best attributes. With the game tied in the first period, Chytil took a Cuylle pass and ripped a laser for a power-play goal. It was the kind of shot that makes him a scoring threat.

In 2022-23, he set a career high with 22 goals. If he can avoid the injury bug, there’s no reason he can’t improve on that total. He missed most of last season due to a concussion. The Blueshirts are counting on him to produce on the third line.

During the third period, Chytil used his speed to quickly gain the Bruins line and find Alex Belzile for a the game-winner. He had some other end to end rushes that opened some eyes. Most importantly, he absorbed some checks and bounced right back. He must do a better job at avoiding those hits. The next one could spell doom.

Othmann Makes His Presence Felt

A young player to keep an eye on is Brennan Othmann. The 21-year-old 2021 first round pick is looking to make the Opening Night roster. After coming close last year, he made his presence felt against the Bruins. Othmann had a couple of big open ice hits. An aggressive player who isn’t shy about throwing his weight around, he plays with an edge. He also likes to drive to the net.

At the conclusion of the second period, he dropped the gloves with Parker Wotherspoon. Othmann held on. In the third period, he got a scoring chance but was denied by Bruins netminder Michael DiPietro. He’ll need to bury those to give himself an opportunity to make the team.

Garand Gets Win in Relief

In the second half of the game, Dylan Garand came on in place of Louis Domingue (14 saves on 15 shots). He stopped 12 of 13 shots to get the win in relief.

A 2020 fourth round pick, the 22-year-old Garand has spent his first two pro seasons with the Wolf Pack. The Bruins tied the game in the second period when Trevor Kuntar was able to steer in a rebound past Garand. The puck banked off Patrick Brown right to Kuntar, who surprised Garand. He wasn’t set on the play. It was a fluky goal.

Despite that, Garand made some strong saves when the Bruins pressured. He held up well. With Jonathan Quick returning to back up Igor Shesterkin, Garand will have plenty of time to continue to develop in Hartford.

Rangers return to Garden

On Tuesday night, the Rangers return to the Garden. They’ll host the rival Islanders at 33rd and 7th. It’ll be a different lineup for the second of six preseason games.

Maybe we’ll see Brett Berard. He’s also competing for a spot up front. A tenacious player, he’ll be watched closely by Rangers brass. Berard won’t wow anyone. But he likes to outwork opponents. He projects as a bottom six player who can kill penalties.

Zac Jones probably will be in. He’s the frontrunner for sixth defenseman. With Matthew Robertson only playing over eight minutes last night, Jones remains a strong candidate to become a full-time player. It’s his job to lose.