Rangers looking for right fit in Vitali Kravtsov’s return to lineup

Vitali Kravtsov has been cleared and is ready to be reinserted into the Rangers’ lineup after an upper-body injury derailed his start to the season, three shifts into the first game, less than two weeks ago. 

Head coach Gerard Gallant neglected to confirm when Kravtsov would get back into a game, but it’s safe to say the Russian wing could play as soon as Sunday, when the Blue Jackets come to town. He opened the season on the second line next to Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck, before a hit from Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman knocked him out of the contest less than a minute and a half in. Now, however, Kravtsov will likely skate on the third unit with Barclay Goodrow and Filip Chytil. 

“It’s all timing,” Gallant said after practice on Saturday in Tarrytown. “I mean, we like him. He’s worked hard. And the same with Libor [Hajek], too. It’s tough on guys when they’re playing up, but when your team is playing really well and you’re off to a good start, you don’t like to mess around with a lot of things. 

“I’ll see. We’ll see what’s going to happen. We’ll talk with our coaches and see what we’re thinking for our lineup tomorrow. I’m not disappointed with either guy, it’s just you can only play 20 and we’ll see what’s going to happen.” 

Judging by the fact that Kravtsov appeared to be a full participant in the practices leading up to the last game against the Sharks, Gallant likely didn’t want to shake up the lines amid the recent success on offense. But after a lackluster third-period on Thursday, it seems like a good time for a different look and to give Kravtsov another opportunity. 

Kravtsov, whose efforts to get back in the Rangers’ good graces during training camp were not overlooked, said he hit his head into the boards when he got tangled with Hedman. While it was an unfortunate occurrence, the 22-year-old noted that he tried to turn it into a positive. 

“I’m excited, I want to play,” he said. “First game, three shifts, a minute and a half — just want to play. I didn’t play for five months, maybe?” 

Since he did not accompany the Rangers on the first road trip of the season to Minnesota and Winnipeg, Kravtsov said he watched from home. He expressed his frustration in not being able to help his teammates. His older sister recently came to visit him and he got to spend some time with her, which seemingly brought him some comfort. 

The injury may not have been the worst scenario for Kravtsov, who is still clearly getting acclimated to life away from home and playing in the NHL. 

Gallant said he doesn’t sense any frustration from Kravtsov, just some anxiousness stemming from wanting to play. 

“I understand, you know, Kravy wants to be a good player,” the coach said. “Sometimes you’ve got to wait your turn and when you get it, take advantage of it. I feel real bad for him. He had a good camp. He played a minute and 10 seconds in the first game and then he gets hurt. It’s not always easy, but you’re a pro. We’ve played five games, there’s 77 left. We’ve got to get ready. When you get a chance, take advantage of it. Whether it’s tomorrow or in the near future. 

“Just play my game there. Goody has played so many games and he’s skilled. He can do whatever he wants. PK, power play, everything. And Fil, his speed, his hockey sense. I have to play good.”