Rangers' Vitali Kravtsov could return to lineup for Sunday's game vs. Blue Jackets

GREENBURGH, N.Y. — Rangers coach Gerard Gallant was in a much better mood Saturday than he was after his team’s 3-2 overtime loss to the previously winless San Jose Sharks on Thursday.

Saturday’s practice, after Friday’s day off, was pretty routine, the coach said. No special message beforehand, no particular emphasis to work on.

“Get ready for the next game,’’ Gallant said.

That doesn’t mean he won’t consider changing things for Sunday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, though.

Gallant said he hadn’t decided for certain, but it seems possible that Vitali Kravtsov, the 22-year-old forward who was injured early in the first period of the first game of the season, could return to the lineup. He has missed the last four games.

“He’s probably real anxious and he wants to play, there’s no doubt about that,’’ Gallant said.

Kravtsov started the season opener against Tampa Bay on the second line with Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck, but he took a hit into the boards by defenseman Victor Hedman and was forced to leave after playing three shifts for a total of 1:28.

“It was my mistake,’’ he said of his injury. “I turned, hit my head right away on the boards and then, I just — I’m actually not sure what happened after.’’

With Kravtsov out, Alexis Lafrenière became the right wing on the Panarin-Trocheck line. He’s played so well that he isn’t leaving that spot soon.

Whenever Kravtsov does return, he’s likely going to have to play on a different line. In practice Saturday, he rotated with Jimmy Vesey on a third line with Filip Chytil and Barclay Goodrow.

Gallant, who said he feels “real bad’’ for Kravtsov, was asked what he wants to see from the young Russian when he does return to the lineup.

“Well, show that skill,’’ he said of the 2018 first-round draft pick. “Show the talent. And like we tell all our players, it’s about doing the right things with the puck, managing the puck at the right times. It doesn’t have to be a highlight play every time you make a play. Sometimes you just dump it in the corner and make the simple play and change.

“So don’t try to have too many turnovers, and when you get your opportunity, make those plays and go to the net and shoot some pucks.’’

In the time he was out of the lineup, Kravtsov said he tried to be patient, work hard and stay positive. He apparently lost some weight, which he has regained, and he’s had a chance to spend time with his older sister, who came a few days ago to visit.

But he’s good now and ready to go back in whenever Gallant is ready to put him back in.

“Yeah, for sure,’’ he said. “I’m excited. I want to play. First game, three shifts, like, a minute-and-a-half. I just want to play. I didn’t play for five months [in the offseason]. I want to play.’’

By Colin Stephenson

colin.stephenson@newsday.comColinSNewsday

Colin Stephenson covers the Rangers for Newsday. He has spent more than two decades covering the NHL and just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.