TONY D IN A JAM

NHL rinks right now are serving as proving grounds for four of the Rangers’ young defensemen, all of whom have spent at least half the season in the AHL. They see this an opportunity to establish themselves as NHL players and prove they should be considered for a role next season.

“Absolutely,” Neal Pionk says. “I think all of us young defensemen are in the same boat. We’re all here to show what we can do.”

Pionk thus far is making the most of his chance. Even in a short NHL sample size, there are enough signs so far that Pionk has what it takes to play in the league and should definitely be in the top-six mix this fall when the Blueshirts begin anew.

He and John Gilmour have both shown well in the 16 games each have under their belts through Monday’s 6-3 win over Carolina. Pionk is particularly intriguing because he’s still just 22 years old and fills a hole as a right-hander. He’s impressed with the puck, both passing and showing a willingness to shoot, which earned him an assist on the first of Mats Zuccarello’s two goals Monday, just as he notched a helper on a Zuccarello goal Saturday in the Rangers’ shootout loss to Florida. Pionk has five assists in his last seven games.

“I’m making adjustments as the games go on, gaining confidence with the puck, having more composure with the puck and letting plays develop more,” said Pionk, GETTY an undrafted free agent out of MinnesotaDuluth who signed last May.

Pionk isn’t burly at 6-foot, 190 pounds, but he’s shown toughness and competitiveness that translates well. That was on display during the third period in

Tony DeAngelo left in the second period with an ankle injury after jamming his leg into the boards and didn’t return. Vigneault said he’d know more Tuesday after an MRI. … Jimmy Vesey finished his first career hat trick with an empty-netter and Pavel Buchnevich had three assists. … David Desharnais returned to the lineup Monday after missing Saturday’s game despite not yet passing kidney stones.