SUNRISE, Fla. — Whether it’s the regular season or the postseason, Johnny Brodzinski is ready to answer the call.
It’s a lifestyle and mindset the 30-year-old reserve skater has acquired over the course of his eight-year NHL career, bouncing between three different clubs in the American Hockey League and National Hockey League, including four seasons with the Rangers organization.
So when head coach Peter Laviolette returned Brodzinski to the Blueshirts’ lineup on Saturday night with the team on the brink of elimination against the Panthers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals, Brodzinski was ready to play the role he’s played his entire pro career.
“It’s a big moment,” he said the morning before the match. “I’m excited for the opportunity and I’ve been ready for it for a long time. [for] I don’t know when that will be, but it’s good to be a part of it. I’m going to be in the press box, watching the game, learning what they’re doing, learning what we’re doing, and hopefully applying what I’ve seen.”
The Minnesota native appeared in Games 4 and 6 of the team’s second-round series against the Hurricanes, and Saturday marked Brodzinski’s third game with the Rangers.
Brodzinski logged 8:49 and 8:45 in each game, recording one shot, three blocks and one turnover while playing on the fourth line next to Barclay Goodrow and Jimmy Vesey.
“He can do all three. [forward] “For us, Brodzinski is a great fit,” Laviolette said Tuesday. “This is probably his longest tenure and extension in the NHL, and we’ve had playoff games canceled. I think he’s done a great job coming in and adding a guy that’s comfortable on the ice in any situation. You look at the role that he’s played. He’s played on the power play, he’s been a great addition to the team. He … [Zibanejad] and [Chris Kreider]he was in the check line.
The Post follows Rangers coverage in the NHL playoffs
“He’s smart. He’s got great speed on the ice. He’s a great person. It’s great to have a guy like him on your team that’s going to be on the ice, especially heading into the playoffs.”
Brodzinski, who played a career-high 57 games with the Rangers this season, is closer to being a regular NHL skater than he has ever been in his career.
During that time, he recorded six goals and 13 assists for a total of 19 points, also a career high.
“I’m just going to go out there and play my game,” Brodzinski said. “I’ve done it so many times, so this is my hockey. I’m just going to go out there and do what I do best. I’m going to play fast and physical and hopefully I’ll be able to put the puck on the net and see a couple go in.”
Veteran winger Blake Wheeler did not participate in the Rangers’ morning practice due to an injury, according to a source.
As a result, Rangers opted to use Anton Brids, who has played one game for the team this season, as their main man.
Jimmy Vesey also skated with the Rangers on Saturday morning wearing a red non-contact jersey.
